Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI: Dassault Systèmes: Third quarter results in-line – Anticipating top line acceleration in 4Q – Confirming full year EPS objective

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    VELIZY-VILLACOUBLAY, FranceOctober 24, 2024

    Dassault Systèmes: Third quarter results in-line

    Anticipating top line acceleration in 4Q

    Confirming full year EPS objective

    Dassault Systèmes (Euronext Paris: FR0014003TT8, DSY.PA) today reports its IFRS unaudited estimated financial results for the third quarter 2024 and nine months ended September 30, 2024. The Group’s Board of Directors approved these estimated results on October 23, 2024. This press release also includes financial information on a non-IFRS basis and reconciliations with IFRS figures in the Appendix.

    Summary Highlights1  

    (unaudited, non-IFRS unless otherwise noted,
    all growth rates in constant currencies)

    • 3Q24: total revenue rose 4% to €1.46 billion driven by subscription revenue up 8%;
    • 3Q24: sequential improvement of MEDIDATA revenue;
    • 3Q24: operating margin of 29.6% and EPS at €0.29, in line with guidance;
    • YTD24: IFRS cash flow from operations up 6% as reported;
    • FY24: confirming diluted EPS objectives of €1.27 – €1.30, while updating total revenue growth from 6 – 8% to 5 – 7% to reflect the continued scrutiny and contraction of the automotive market. Anticipating total revenue growth acceleration at 8% mid-point in 4Q24.

    Dassault Systèmes’ Chief Executive Officer Commentary

    Pascal Daloz, Dassault Systèmes’ Chief Executive Officer, commented:

    “As we enter the second half of the year, we have seen several end-markets gaining momentum. In Life Sciences, MEDIDATA is back to sequential growth improvement. At the same time, we had excellent performance in Consumer industries driven by CENTRIC PLM. SOLIDWORKS accelerated growth in revenue and seats. Importantly, Aerospace & Defense was resilient and delivered a solid performance this quarter.

    However, since late summer, automotive customers in Europe and the US have been impacted by a contraction in volumes. This accelerates the need for transformative decisions, while elongating decision-making in the short term. Momentum in Asia, and China in particular, remains strong.

    We are well-positioned to continue gaining market share in the industrial sector. We are confident that our data-centric platform will serve as a catalyst for transformation. In the age of AI, virtualizing industrial processes from design to manufacturing will be a prerequisite for OEMs and suppliers to compete successfully in this next decade.”  

      

    Dassault Systèmes’ Chief Financial Officer Commentary

    (revenue, operating margin and diluted EPS growth rates in constant currencies,
    data on a non-IFRS basis)

    Rouven Bergmann, Dassault Systèmes’ Chief Financial Officer, commented:

    “In the third quarter, our total revenue grew by 4%, while the operating margin remained resilient at 29.6% and EPS stood at €0.29, highlighting the operating efficiency of the company.

    For the full year, we are reconfirming our EPS target range of €1.27 – €1.30 while remaining disciplined to offset the effects of ongoing deal delays and contraction in automotive volumes. Accordingly, we are adjusting our total revenue growth expectations from 6 – 8% to 5 – 7%.

    This updated guidance reflects expected growth acceleration in the fourth quarter, driven by continued improvements at MEDIDATA and a robust 3DEXPERIENCE pipeline.”

    Financial Summary

    In millions of Euros,
    except per share data and percentages
      IFRS   IFRS
      Q3 2024 Q3 2023 Change Change in constant currencies   YTD 2024 YTD 2023 Change Change in constant currencies
    Total Revenue   1,463.9 1,424.7 3% 4%   4,459.3 4,308.0 4% 4%
    Software Revenue   1,312.4 1,286.7 2% 3%   4,011.8 3,883.9 3% 4%
    Operating Margin   18.9% 21.2% (2.4)pts     19.6% 20.0% (0.3)pt  
    Diluted EPS   0.18 0.18 0%     0.61 0.54 12%  
    In millions of Euros,
    except per share data and percentages
      Non-IFRS   Non-IFRS
      Q3 2024 Q3 2023 Change Change in constant currencies   YTD 2024 YTD 2023 Change Change in constant currencies
    Total Revenue   1,463.9 1,424.7 3% 4%   4,459.3 4,308.0 4% 4%
    Software Revenue   1,312.4 1,286.7 2% 3%   4,011.8 3,883.9 3% 4%
    Operating Margin   29.6% 31.0% (1.5)pt     30.2% 31.0% (0.8)pt  
    Diluted EPS   0.29 0.28 3% 4%   0.89 0.84 6% 8%

    Third Quarter 2024 Versus 2023 Financial Comparisons

    (unaudited, IFRS and non-IFRS unless otherwise noted,
    all revenue growth rates in constant currencies)

    • Total Revenue: Total revenue in the third quarter grew by 4% to €1.46 billion, and software revenue increased by 3% to €1.31 billion, both at the low end of the Company’s objectives. Subscription & support revenue rose 5%; recurring revenue represented 83% of software revenue, up 2 percentage points compared to last year. Licenses and other software revenue declined by 7% to €229 million. Services revenue increased by 10% to €151 million, during the quarter.
    • Software Revenue by Geography: Revenue in the Americas increased by 6% to represent 41% of software revenue, led by Home & Lifestyle from an Industry standpoint. Europe (36% of software revenue) declined by 4%, largely impacted by a strong comparison basis after a large transformation deal signed in the third quarter of 2023. In Asia, revenue increased by 9% with continued momentum across countries led by improvement in China, up double digits. Asia represented 23% of software revenue at the end of the third quarter.
    • Software Revenue by Product Line:
      • Industrial Innovation software revenue declined by 1% to €685 million, against a high comparison basis. The strong baseline effect combined with a weaker automotive market in Europe and the US weighed on the performance. Industrial Innovation software represented 52% of software revenue, during the period.
      • Life Sciences software revenue was flat, at €280 million, accounting for 21% of software revenue. Sequential growth improvement confirms MEDIDATA progressive recovery.
      • Mainstream Innovation software revenue increased by 15% to €348 million and represented 26% of software revenue. SOLIDWORKS had a good start in the second half of 2024, up mid-single digits in the quarter. CENTRIC PLM delivered another excellent quarter, due to competitive displacements and strong renewals.
    • Software Revenue by Industry: Home & Lifestyle, High-Tech, Aerospace & Defense and Marine & Offshore were among the best performers during the quarter.
    • Key Strategic Drivers: 3DEXPERIENCE software revenue was impacted by a tough comparison base due to the anniversary of a mega deal. Hence, we saw a temporary decline of 10%. However, the performance on a year-to-date basis was in line with objectives and, looking at the subscription growth, the trend was very strong at 41%. 3DEXPERIENCE software revenue represented 37% of 3DEXPERIENCE eligible software revenue. Cloud software revenue grew by 7% and represented 25% of software revenue during the period. Excluding MEDIDATA, Cloud software revenue increased by a strong 38%.
    • Operating Income and Margin: IFRS operating income declined by 9% at €276 million, as reported. Non-IFRS operating income declined by 1% in constant currencies at €433 million (2% as reported). The IFRS operating margin stood at 18.9% compared to 21.2% in the third quarter of 2023. The non-IFRS operating margin totaled 29.6% versus 31.0% during the same period last year.
    • Earnings per Share: IFRS diluted EPS was €0.18, flat as reported. Non-IFRS diluted EPS grew to €0.29, up 3% as reported, or 4% in constant currencies.

    Nine months ended 2024 Versus 2023 Financial Comparisons

    (unaudited, IFRS and non-IFRS unless otherwise noted,
    all revenue growth rates in constant currencies)

    • Total Revenue: Total revenue grew by 4% to €4.46 billion. Software revenue increased by 4% to €4.01 billion. Subscription and support revenue rose 5% to €3.29 billion; recurring revenue represented 82% of total software revenue. Licenses and other software revenue declined by 1% to €720 million. Services revenue rose 6% to €448 million.
    • Software Revenue by Geography: The Americas grew 3% and represented 40% of software revenue. Europe rose by 2% and represented 37% of software revenue. Asia increased by 9%, representing 23% of software revenue.
    • Software Revenue by Product Line:
      • Industrial Innovation software revenue rose by 4% to €2.12 billion and represented 53% of software revenue. ENOVIA, SIMULIA and DELMIA exhibited the strongest performance.
      • Life Sciences software revenue decreased by 2% to €847 million, representing 21% of software revenue.
      • Mainstream Innovation software revenue increased by 11% to €1.05 billion. Mainstream Innovation represented 26% of software revenue. SOLIDWORKS delivered mid-single digit growth while CENTRIC PLM continued to perform well with strong, double-digit growth.
    • Software Revenue by Industry: Home & Lifestyle, Aerospace and Defense, High-Tech and Consumer Packaged Good & Retail displayed some of the strongest performance.
    • Key Strategic Drivers: 3DEXPERIENCE software revenue increased by 10%, representing 37% of 3DEXPERIENCE eligible software revenue. Cloud software revenue grew by 7% and represented 25% of software revenue. Excluding MEDIDATA, Cloud software revenue increased by more than 50% versus the same period last year.
    • Operating Income and Margin: IFRS operating income increased by 2%, to €876 million, as reported. Non-IFRS operating income increased by 1% as reported (2% in constant currencies) to €1.35 billion. IFRS operating margin totaled 19.6% compared to 20.0% for the same period in 2023. The non-IFRS operating margin was preserved, standing at 30.2% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to 31.0% in the same period last year, thanks to cost containment measures.
    • Earnings per Share: IFRS diluted EPS was €0.61 increasing 12% as reported. Non-IFRS diluted EPS grew by 6% to €0.89, as reported, up 8% in constant currencies.
    • Cash Flow from Operations (IFRS): Cash flow from operations totaled €1.35 billion, up 6% year over year, thanks to the increase in net income adjusted for non-cash items and positive cash tax effects in 2024.
    • Balance Sheet (IFRS): Dassault Systèmes’ net financial position totaled €1.07 billion as of September 30, 2024, an increase of €0.49 billion, compared to €0.58 billion for the year ending December 31, 2023. Cash and cash equivalents totaled €3.66 billion as of September 30, 2024. The movements of the quarter on cash and cash equivalents include the reimbursement for €700 million of the second Tranche of the Bond issued by the company in 2019.

    Financial Objectives for 2024

    Dassault Systèmes’ fourth quarter and 2024 financial objectives presented below are given on a non-IFRS basis and reflect the principal 2024 currency exchange rate assumptions for the US dollar and Japanese yen as well as the potential impact from additional non-Euro currencies:

               
          Q4 2024 FY 2024  
      Total Revenue (billion) €1.696 – €1.816 €6.155 – €6.275  
      Growth 3 – 10% 3 – 5%  
      Growth ex FX 5 – 12% 5 – 7%  
               
      Software revenue growth * 5 – 13% 5 – 7%  
        Of which licenses and other software revenue growth * 0 – 20% (1) – 6%  
        Of which recurring revenue growth * 7 – 11% 6 – 7%  
     

    Services revenue growth *

    0 – 5%

    4 – 6%  
               
      Operating Margin 35.9% – 36.9% 31.8% – 32.2%  
               
      EPS Diluted €0.38 – €0.41 €1.27 – €1.30  
      Growth 4 – 12% 5 – 8%  
      Growth ex FX 5 – 13% 7 – 10%  
               
      US dollar $1.10 per Euro $1.09 per Euro  
      Japanese yen (before hedging) JPY 155.0 per Euro JPY 162.0 per Euro  
      * Growth in Constant Currencies      

    These objectives are prepared and communicated only on a non-IFRS basis and are subject to the cautionary statement set forth below.

    The 2024 non-IFRS financial objectives set forth above do not take into account the following accounting elements below and are estimated based upon the 2024 principal currency exchange rates above: no significant contract liabilities write-downs; share-based compensation expenses, including related social charges, estimated at approximately €232 million (these estimates do not include any new stock option or share grants issued after September 30, 2024); amortization of acquired intangibles and of tangibles reevaluation, estimated at approximately €360 million, largely impacted by the acquisition of MEDIDATA; and lease incentives of acquired companies at approximately €2 million.

    The above objectives also do not include any impact from other operating income and expenses, a net principally comprised of acquisition, integration and restructuring expenses, and impairment of goodwill and acquired intangible assets; from one-time items included in financial revenue; from one-time tax effects; and from the income tax effects of these non-IFRS adjustments. Finally, these estimates do not include any new acquisitions or restructuring completed after September 30, 2024.

    Corporate Announcements

    Today’s Webcast and Conference Call Information

    Today, Thursday, October 24, 2024, Dassault Systèmes will host, from London, a webcasted presentation at 9:00 AM London Time / 10:00 AM Paris time, and will then host a conference call at 8:30 AM New York time / 1:30 PM London time / 2:30 PM Paris time. The webcasted presentation and conference calls will be available online by accessing investor.3ds.com.

    Additional investor information is available at investor.3ds.com or by calling Dassault Systèmes’ Investor Relations at +33.1.61.62.69.24.

    Investor Relations Events

    • Fourth Quarter 2024 Earnings Release: February 4, 2025
    • First Quarter 2025 Earnings Release: April 24, 2025
    • Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Release: July 24, 2025

    Forward-looking Information

    Statements herein that are not historical facts but express expectations or objectives for the future, including but not limited to statements regarding the Group’s non-IFRS financial performance objectives are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on Dassault Systèmes management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or performances may differ materially from those in such statements due to a range of factors.

    The Group’s actual results or performance may be materially negatively affected by numerous risks and uncertainties, as described in the “Risk Factors” section 1.9 of the 2023 Universal Registration Document (‘Document d’enregistrement universel’) filed with the AMF (French Financial Markets Authority) on March 18, 2024, available on the Group’s website www.3ds.com.

    In particular, please refer to the risk factor “Uncertain Global Economic Environment” in section 1.9.1.1 of the 2023 Universal Registration Document set out below for ease of reference:

    “In light of the uncertainties regarding economic, business, social, health and geopolitical conditions at the global level, Dassault Systèmes’ revenue, net earnings and cash flows may grow more slowly, whether on an annual or quarterly basis, mainly due to the following factors:

    • the deployment of Dassault Systèmes’ solutions may represent a large portion of a customer’s investments in software technology. Decisions to make such an investment are impacted by the economic environment in which the customers operate. Uncertain global geopolitical, economic and health conditions and the lack of visibility or the lack of financial resources may cause some customers, e.g. within the automotive, aerospace, energy or natural resources industries, to reduce, postpone or terminate their investments, or to reduce or not renew ongoing paid maintenance for their installed base, which impact larger customers’ revenue with their respective sub-contractors;
    • the political, economic and monetary situation in certain geographic regions where Dassault Systèmes operates could become more volatile and impact Dassault Systèmes’ business, for example, due to stricter export compliance rules or the introduction of new customs tariffs;
    • continued pressure or volatility on raw materials and energy prices could also slow down Dassault Systèmes’ diversification efforts in new industries;
    • uncertainties regarding the extent and duration of inflation could adversely affect the financial position of Dassault Systèmes; and
    • the sales cycle of Dassault Systèmes’ products – already relatively long due to the strategic nature of such investments for customers – could further lengthen.

    The occurrence of crises – health and political in particular – could have consequences both for the health and safety of Dassault Systèmes’ employees and for the Company. It could also adversely impact the financial situation or financing and supply capabilities of Dassault Systèmes’ existing and potential customers, commercial and technology partners, some of whom may be forced to temporarily close sites or cease operations. A deteriorating economic environment could generate increased price pressure and affect the collection of receivables, which would negatively impact Dassault Systèmes’ revenue, financial performance and market position.

    Dassault Systèmes makes every effort to take into consideration this uncertain macroeconomic outlook. Dassault Systèmes’ business results, however, may not develop as anticipated. Furthermore, due to factors affecting sales of Dassault Systèmes’ products and services, there may be a substantial time lag between an improvement in global economic and business conditions and an upswing in the Company’s business results.

    In preparing such forward-looking statements, the Group has in particular assumed an average US dollar to euro exchange rate of US$1.10 per €1.00 as well as an average Japanese yen to euro exchange rate of JPY155.0 to €1.00, before hedging for the fourth quarter 2024. The Group has assumed an average US dollar to euro exchange rate of US$1.09 per €1.00 as well as an average Japanese yen to euro exchange rate of JPY162.0 to €1.00, before hedging for the full year 2024. However, currency values fluctuate, and the Group’s results may be significantly affected by changes in exchange rates.   

    Non-IFRS Financial Information

    Readers are cautioned that the supplemental non-IFRS financial information presented in this press release is subject to inherent limitations. It is not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles and should not be considered in isolation from or as a substitute for IFRS measurements. The supplemental non-IFRS financial information should be read only in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. Furthermore, the Group’s supplemental non-IFRS financial information may not be comparable to similarly titled “non-IFRS” measures used by other companies. Specific limitations for individual non-IFRS measures are set forth in the Company’s 2023 Universal Registration Document filed with the AMF on March 18, 2024.

    In the tables accompanying this press release the Group sets forth its supplemental non-IFRS figures for revenue, operating income, operating margin, net income and diluted earnings per share, which exclude the effect of adjusting the carrying value of acquired companies’ deferred revenue, share-based compensation expense and related social charges, the amortization of acquired intangible assets and of tangibles reevaluation, certain other operating income and expense, net, including impairment of goodwill and acquired intangibles, the effect of adjusting lease incentives of acquired companies, certain one-time items included in financial revenue and other, net, and the income tax effect of the non-IFRS adjustments and certain one-time tax effects. The tables also set forth the most comparable IFRS financial measure and reconciliations of this information with non-IFRS information.

    FOR MORE INFORMATION

    Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, 3D design software, 3D Digital Mock Up and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions: http://www.3ds.com

    ABOUT DASSAULT SYSTÈMES

    Dassault Systèmes is a catalyst for human progress. We provide business and people with collaborative virtual environments to imagine sustainable innovations. By creating virtual twin experiences of the real world with our 3DEXPERIENCE platform and applications, our customers can redefine the creation, production and life-cycle-management processes of their offer and thus have a meaningful impact to make the world more sustainable. The beauty of the Experience Economy is that it is a human-centered economy for the benefit of all – consumers, patients and citizens. Dassault Systèmes brings value to more than 350,000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.3ds.com

    Dassault Systèmes Investor Relations Team                        FTI Consulting

    Beatrix Martinez: +33 1 61 62 40 73                                Arnaud de Cheffontaines: +33 1 47 03 69 48

                                                                    Jamie Ricketts : +44 20 3727 1600

    investors@3ds.com

    Dassault Systèmes Press Contacts

    Corporate / France        Arnaud MALHERBE        

    arnaud.malherbe@3ds.com        

    +33 (0)1 61 62 87 73

    © Dassault Systèmes. All rights reserved. 3DEXPERIENCE, the 3DS logo, the Compass icon, IFWE, 3DEXCITE, 3DVIA, BIOVIA, CATIA, CENTRIC PLM, DELMIA, ENOVIA, GEOVIA, MEDIDATA, NETVIBES, OUTSCALE, SIMULIA and SOLIDWORKS are commercial trademarks or registered trademarks of Dassault Systèmes, a European company (Societas Europaea) incorporated under French law, and registered with the Versailles trade and companies registry under number 322 306 440, or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are owned by their respective owners. Use of any Dassault Systèmes or its subsidiaries trademarks is subject to their express written approval.

    APPENDIX TABLE OF CONTENTS

    Due to rounding, numbers presented throughout this and other documents may not add up precisely to the totals provided and percentages may not precisely reflect the absolute figures.    

    Glossary of Definitions

    Non-IFRS Financial Information

    Acquisitions and Foreign Exchange Impact

    Condensed consolidated statements of income

    Condensed consolidated balance sheet

    Condensed consolidated cash flow statement

    IFRS – non-IFRS reconciliation

    DASSAULT SYSTÈMES – Glossary of Definitions

    Information in Constant Currencies

    Dassault Systèmes has followed a long-standing policy of measuring its revenue performance and setting its revenue objectives exclusive of currency in order to measure in a transparent manner the underlying level of improvement in its total revenue and software revenue by activity, industry, geography and product lines. The Group believes it is helpful to evaluate its growth exclusive of currency impacts, particularly to help understand revenue trends in its business. Therefore, the Group provides percentage increases or decreases in its revenue and expenses (in both IFRS as well as non-IFRS) to eliminate the effect of changes in currency values, particularly the U.S. dollar and the Japanese yen, relative to the euro. When trend information is expressed “in constant currencies”, the results of the “prior” period have first been recalculated using the average exchange rates of the comparable period in the current year, and then compared with the results of the comparable period in the current year.

    While constant currency calculations are not considered to be an IFRS measure, the Group believes these measures are critical to understanding its global revenue results and to compare with many of its competitors who report their financial results in U.S. dollars. Therefore, Dassault Systèmes includes this calculation for comparing IFRS revenue figures as well non-IFRS revenue figures for comparable periods. All information at constant exchange rates is expressed as a rounded percentage and therefore may not precisely reflect the absolute figures.

    Information on Growth excluding acquisitions (“organic growth”)

    In addition to financial indicators on the entire Group’s scope, Dassault Systèmes provides growth excluding acquisitions effect, also named organic growth. In order to do so, the data relating to the scope is restated excluding acquisitions, from the date of the transaction, over a period of 12 months.

    Information on Industrial Sectors

    The Group provides broad end-to-end software solutions and services: its platform-based virtual twin experiences combine modeling, simulation, data science and collaborative innovation to support companies in the three sectors it serves, namely Manufacturing Industries, Life Sciences & Healthcare, and Infrastructure & Cities.

    These three sectors comprise twelve industries:

    • Manufacturing Industries: Transportation & Mobility; Aerospace & Defense; Marine & Offshore; Industrial Equipment; High-Tech; Home & Lifestyle; Consumer Packaged Goods – Retail. In Manufacturing Industries, Dassault Systèmes helps customers virtualize their operations, improve data sharing and collaboration across their organization, reduce costs and time-to-market, and become more sustainable;
    • Life Sciences & Healthcare: Life Sciences & Healthcare. In this sector, the Group aims to address the entire cycle of the patient journey to lead the way toward precision medicine. To reach the broader healthcare ecosystem from research to commercial, the Group’s solutions connect all elements from molecule development to prevention to care, and combine new therapeutics, med practices, and Medtech;
    • Infrastructure & Cities: Infrastructure, Energy & Materials; Architecture, Engineering & Construction; Business Services; Cities & Public Services. In Infrastructure & Cities, the Group supports the virtualization of the sector in making its industries more efficient and sustainable, and creating desirable living environments.

    Information on Product Lines

    The Group’s product lines financial reporting include the following financial information:

    • Industrial Innovation software revenue, which includes CATIA, ENOVIA, SIMULIA, DELMIA, GEOVIA, NETVIBES, and 3DEXCITE brands;
    • Life Sciences software revenue, which includes MEDIDATA and BIOVIA brands;
    • Mainstream Innovation software revenue which includes its CENTRIC PLM and 3DVIA brands, as well as its 3DEXPERIENCE WORKS family which includes the SOLIDWORKS brand.

    Starting from 2022, 3DS OUTSCALE became a brand of Dassault Systèmes. As the first sovereign and sustainable operator on the cloud, 3DS OUTSCALE enables governments and corporations from all sectors to achieve digital autonomy through a Cloud experience and with a world-class cyber governance.

    GEO’s

    Eleven GEOs are responsible for driving development of the Company’s business and implementing its customer‑centric engagement model. Teams leverage strong networks of local customers, users, partners, and influencers.

    These GEOs are structured into three groups:

    • the “Americas” group, made of two GEO’s;
    • the “Europe” group, comprising Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and made of four GEO’s;
    • the “Asia” group, comprising Asia and Oceania and made of five GEO’s.  

    3DEXPERIENCE Software Contribution

    To measure the relative share of 3DEXPERIENCE software in its revenues, Dassault Systèmes uses the following ratio: for software revenue, the Group calculates the percentage contribution by comparing total 3DEXPERIENCE software revenue to software revenue for all product lines except SOLIDWORKS, MEDIDATA, CENTRIC PLM and other acquisitions (defined as “3DEXPERIENCE Eligible software revenue”).

    Cloud revenue

    Cloud revenues correspond to revenue generated through a catalog of cloud-based solutions, infrastructure as a service, cloud solution development and cloud managed services. They are delivered by Dassault Systèmes via a cloud infrastructure hosted by Dassault Systèmes, or by third party providers of cloud computing infrastructure services. These offerings are available through different deployment methods: Dedicated cloud, Sovereign cloud and International cloud. Cloud solutions are generally offered through subscriptions models or perpetual licenses with support and hosting services.

    DASSAULT SYSTÈMES

    NON-IFRS FINANCIAL INFORMATION

    (unaudited; in millions of Euros, except per share data, percentages, headcount and exchange rates)

    Non-IFRS key figures exclude the effects of adjusting the carrying value of acquired companies’ contract liabilities (deferred revenue), share-based compensation expense, including related social charges, amortization of acquired intangible assets and of tangible assets revaluation, lease incentives of acquired companies, other operating income and expense, net, including the acquisition, integration and restructuring expenses, and impairment of goodwill and acquired intangible assets, certain one-time items included in financial loss, net, certain one-time tax effects and the income tax effects of these non-IFRS adjustments.

    Comparable IFRS financial information and a reconciliation of the IFRS and non-IFRS measures are set forth in the separate tables within this Attachment.

    In millions of Euros, except per share data, percentages, headcount and exchange rates Non-IFRS reported
    Three months ended Nine months ended
    September 30,

    2024

    September 30,

    2023

    Change Change in constant currencies September 30,

    2024

    September 30,

    2023

    Change Change in constant currencies
    Total Revenue € 1,463.9 € 1,424.7 3% 4% € 4,459.3 € 4,308.0 4% 4%
                     
    Revenue breakdown by activity                
    Software revenue 1,312.4 1,286.7 2% 3% 4,011.8 3,883.9 3% 4%
    Of which licenses and other software revenue 229.5 246.0 (7)% (7)% 719.8 735.8 (2)% (1)%
    Of which subscription and support revenue 1,082.9 1,040.8 4% 5% 3,292.0 3,148.1 5% 5%
    Services revenue 151.5 138.0 10% 10% 447.6 424.1 6% 6%
                     
    Software revenue breakdown by product line                
    Industrial Innovation 684.6 698.8 (2)% (1)% 2,117.9 2,070.7 2% 4%
    Life Sciences 280.1 283.6 (1)% (0)% 846.6 863.8 (2)% (2)%
    Mainstream Innovation 347.7 304.2 14% 15% 1,047.4 949.5 10% 11%
                     
    Software Revenue breakdown by geography                
    Americas 540.6 513.6 5% 6% 1,619.7 1,575.2 3% 3%
    Europe 470.3 490.5 (4)% (4)% 1,465.4 1,426.3 3% 2%
    Asia 301.5 282.7 7% 9% 926.6 882.4 5% 9%
                     
    Operating income € 432.6 € 442.0 (2)%   € 1,347.0 € 1,335.7 1%  
    Operating margin 29.6% 31.0%     30.2% 31.0%    
                     
    Net income attributable to shareholders € 380.1 € 371.3 2%   € 1,174.4 € 1,110.7 6%  
    Diluted earnings per share € 0.29 € 0.28 3% 4% € 0.89 € 0.84 6% 8%
                     
    Closing headcount 25,996 25,377 2%   25,996 25,377 2%  
                     
    Average Rate USD per Euro 1.10 1.09 1%   1.09 1.08 0%  
    Average Rate JPY per Euro 163.95 157.25 4%   164.29 149.65 10%  

    DASSAULT SYSTÈMES

    ACQUISITIONS AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE IMPACT

    (unaudited; in millions of Euros)

    In millions of Euros Non-IFRS reported o/w growth at constant rate and scope o/w change of scope impact at current year rate o/w FX impact on previous year figures
    September 30,

    2024

    September 30,

    2023

    Change
    Revenue QTD 1,463.9 1,424.7 39.2 49.8 1.3 (11.8)
    Revenue YTD 4,459.3 4,308.0 151.3 190.2 1.6 (40.4)

    DASSAULT SYSTÈMES

    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

    (unaudited; in millions of Euros, except per share data and percentages)

    In millions of Euros, except per share data and percentages IFRS reported
    Three months ended Nine months ended
    September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30,
    2024 2023 2024 2023
    Licenses and other software revenue 229.5 246.0 719.8 735.8
    Subscription and Support revenue 1,082.9 1,040.8 3,292.0 3,148.1
    Software revenue 1,312.4 1,286.7 4,011.8 3,883.9
    Services revenue 151.5 138.0 447.6 424.1
    Total Revenue € 1,463.9 € 1,424.7 € 4,459.3 € 4,308.0
    Cost of software revenue (1) (127.6) (105.2) (364.4) (329.0)
    Cost of services revenue (125.3) (133.1) (385.0) (386.1)
    Research and development expenses (321.0) (299.2) (958.5) (910.8)
    Marketing and sales expenses (403.7) (381.0) (1,247.7) (1,195.2)
    General and administrative expenses (117.5) (103.2) (334.1) (325.9)
    Amortization of acquired intangible assets and of tangible assets revaluation (88.5) (93.4) (274.1) (284.0)
    Other operating income and expense, net (4.2) (7.1) (19.2) (16.7)
    Total Operating Expenses (1,187.7) (1,122.2) (3,583.1) (3,447.7)
    Operating Income € 276.2 € 302.5 € 876.2 € 860.3
    Financial income (loss), net 32.1 (4.3) 95.5 31.1
    Income before income taxes € 308.2 € 298.2 € 971.7 € 891.5
    Income tax expense (68.5) (54.9) (184.4) (171.5)
    Net Income € 239.8 € 243.3 € 787.2 € 719.9
    Non-controlling interest (0.0) 0.1 0.9 1.0
    Net Income attributable to equity holders of the parent € 239.7 € 243.5 € 788.2 € 720.9
    Basic earnings per share 0.18 0.18 0.60 0.55
    Diluted earnings per share € 0.18 € 0.18 € 0.61 € 0.54
    Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in millions) 1,313.3 1,316.1 1,313.4 1,315.2
    Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in millions) 1,323.1 1,326.1 1,327.0 1,326.8

    (1) Excluding amortization of acquired intangible assets and of tangible assets revaluation.

    IFRS reported

     

    Three months ended September 30, 2024 Nine months ended September 30, 2024
    Change (2) Change in constant currencies Change (2) Change in constant currencies
    Total Revenue 3% 4% 4% 4%
    Revenue by activity        
    Software revenue 2% 3% 3% 4%
    Services revenue 10% 10% 6% 6%
    Software Revenue by product line        
    Industrial Innovation (2)% (1)% 2% 4%
    Life Sciences (1)% (0)% (2)% (2)%
    Mainstream Innovation 14% 15% 10% 11%
    Software Revenue by geography        
    Americas 5% 6% 3% 3%
    Europe (4)% (4)% 3% 2%
    Asia 7% 9% 5% 9%

    (2) Variation compared to the same period in the prior year.

    DASSAULT SYSTÈMES

    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

    (unaudited; in millions of Euros)

    In millions of Euros IFRS reported
    September 30, December 31,
    2024 2023
    ASSETS    
    Cash and cash equivalents 3,657.7 3,568.3
    Trade accounts receivable, net 1,359.8 1,707.9
    Contract assets 45.1 26.8
    Other current assets 495.1 477.1
    Total current assets 5,557.7 5,780.1
    Property and equipment, net 946.2 882.8
    Goodwill and Intangible assets, net 7,301.4 7,647.0
    Other non-current assets 253.2 312.5
    Total non-current assets 8,500.7 8,842.3
    Total Assets € 14,058.4 € 14,622.5
    LIABILITIES    
    Trade accounts payable 181.2 230.5
    Contract liabilities 1,376.7 1,479.3
    Borrowings, current 548.8 950.1
    Other current liabilities 768.6 901.0
    Total current liabilities 2,875.4 3,561.0
    Borrowings, non-current 2,042.8 2,040.6
    Other non-current liabilities 1,137.7 1,174.8
    Total non-current liabilities 3,180.5 3,215.4
    Non-controlling interests 13.8 11.9
    Parent shareholders’ equity 7,988.7 7,834.1
    Total Liabilities € 14,058.4 € 14,622.5

    DASSAULT SYSTÈMES

    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

    (unaudited; in millions of Euros)

    In millions of Euros IFRS reported
    Three months ended Nine months ended
    September 30, September 30, Change September 30, September 30, Change
    2024 2023 2024 2023
    Net income attributable to equity holders of the parent 239.7 243.5 (3.7) 788.2 720.9 67.3
    Non-controlling interest 0.0 (0.1) 0.1 (0.9) (1.0) 0.0
    Net income 239.8 243.3 (3.6) 787.2 719.9 67.3
    Depreciation of property and equipment 49.4 47.3 2.1 142.1 138.4 3.7
    Amortization of intangible assets 90.3 95.2 (5.0) 279.7 290.3 (10.6)
    Adjustments for other non-cash items 39.3 65.4 (26.1) 113.6 123.5 (10.0)
    Changes in working capital (201.1) (205.3) 4.2 25.2 (0.4) 25.6
    Net Cash From Operating Activities € 217.6 € 246.0 € (28.4) € 1,347.8 € 1,271.7 € 76.0
                 
    Additions to property, equipment and intangibles assets (36.5) (35.1) (1.4) (144.3) (102.8) (41.5)
    Payment for acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired (2.6) (14.8) 12.2 (18.3) (15.6) (2.6)
    Other 0.7 4.5 (3.8) 23.9 (0.4) 24.2
    Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities € (38.3) € (45.3) €7.0 € (138.7) € (118.8) € (19.9)
                 
    Proceeds from exercise of stock options 8.8 11.6 (2.7) 44.0 38.5 5.5
    Cash dividends paid (0.0) 0.0 (302.7) (276.3) (26.4)
    Repurchase and sale of treasury stock (65.8) (218.6) 152.8 (373.5) (386.0) 12.5
    Capital increase (0.0) 0.0 (0.0) 146.1 (146.1)
    Acquisition of non-controlling interests (0.7) 0.0 (0.7) (3.3) (0.8) (2.5)
    Proceeds from borrowings 300.0 (0.3) 300.3 300.0 20.3 279.7
    Repayment of borrowings (700.5) (0.9) (699.6) (700.7) (28.2) (672.5)
    Repayment of lease liabilities (18.7) (21.1) 2.4 (61.0) (63.0) 2.1
    Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities € (476.9) € (229.4) € (247.5) € (1,097.1) € (549.4) €( 547.7)
                 
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (76.2) 51.7 (127.9) (22.6) (4.4) (18.2)
                 
    Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents € (373.8) €22.7 € (396.5) € 89.4 € 599.2 € (509.8)
                 
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period € 4,031.5 € 3,345.4   € 3,568.3 € 2,769.0  
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period € 3,657.7 € 3,368.1   € 3,657.7 € 3,368.1  

    DASSAULT SYSTÈMES
    SUPPLEMENTAL NON-IFRS FINANCIAL INFORMATION
    IFRS – NON-IFRS RECONCILIATION
    (unaudited; in millions of Euros, except per share data and percentages)

    Readers are cautioned that the supplemental non-IFRS information presented in this press release is subject to inherent limitations. It is not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles and should not be considered as a substitute for IFRS measurements. Also, the Group’s supplemental non-IFRS financial information may not be comparable to similarly titled “non-IFRS” measures used by other companies. Further specific limitations for individual non-IFRS measures, and the reasons for presenting non-IFRS financial information, are set forth in the Group’s Document d’Enregistrement Universel for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the AMF on March 18, 2024. To compensate for these limitations, the supplemental non-IFRS financial information should be read not in isolation, but only in conjunction with the Group’s consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS.

    In millions of Euros, except per share data and percentages Three months ended September 30, Change
    2024 Adjustment(1) 2024 2023 Adjustment(1) 2023 IFRS Non-IFRS(2)
    IFRS Non-IFRS IFRS Non-IFRS
    Total Revenue € 1,463.9 € 1,463.9 € 1,424.7 € 1,424.7 3% 3%
    Revenue breakdown by activity                
    Software revenue 1,312.4 1,312.4 1,286.7 1,286.7 2% 2%
    Licenses and other software revenue 229.5 229.5 246.0 246.0 (7)% (7)%
    Subscription and Support revenue 1,082.9 1,082.9 1,040.8 1,040.8 4% 4%
    Recurring portion of Software revenue 83%   83% 81%   81%    
    Services revenue 151.5 151.5 138.0 138.0 10% 10%
    Software Revenue breakdown by product line                
    Industrial Innovation 684.6 684.6 698.8 698.8 (2)% (2)%
    Life Sciences 280.1 280.1 283.6 283.6 (1)% (1)%
    Mainstream Innovation 347.7 347.7 304.2 304.2 14% 14%
    Software Revenue breakdown by geography                
    Americas 540.6 540.6 513.6 513.6 5% 5%
    Europe 470.3 470.3 490.5 490.5 (4)% (4)%
    Asia 301.5 301.5 282.7 282.7 7% 7%
    Total Operating Expenses € (1,187.7) € 156.5 € (1,031.2) € (1,122.2) € 139.5 € (982.7) 6% 5%
    Share-based compensation expense and related social charges (63.4) 63.4 (38.4) 38.4    
    Amortization of acquired intangible assets and of tangible assets revaluation (88.5) 88.5 (93.4) 93.4    
    Lease incentives of acquired companies (0.4) 0.4 (0.7) 0.7    
    Other operating income and expense, net (4.2) 4.2 (7.1) 7.1    
    Operating Income € 276.2 € 156.5 € 432.6 € 302.5 € 139.5 € 442.0 (9)% (2)%
    Operating Margin 18.9%   29.6% 21.2%   31.0%    
    Financial income (loss), net 32.1 0.6 32.6 (4.3) 26.8 22.5 N/A 45%
    Income tax expense (68.5) (15.8) (84.3) (54.9) (38.1) (93.0) 25% (9)%
    Non-controlling interest (0.0) (0.9) (0.9) 0.1 (0.4) (0.3) (117)% 229%
    Net Income attributable to shareholders € 239.7 € 140.3 € 380.1 € 243.5 € 127.8 € 371.3 (2)% 2%
    Diluted Earnings Per Share (3) € 0.18 € 0.10 € 0.29 € 0.18 € 0.10 € 0.28 0% 3%

    (1) In the reconciliation schedule above, (i) all adjustments to IFRS revenue data reflect the exclusion of the effect of adjusting the carrying value of acquired companies’ contract liabilities (deferred revenue); (ii) adjustments to IFRS operating expense data reflect the exclusion of the amortization of acquired intangible assets and of tangible assets revaluation, share-based compensation expense, including related social charges, lease incentives of acquired companies, as detailed below, and other operating income and expense, net including acquisition, integration and restructuring expenses, and impairment of goodwill and acquired intangible assets; (iii) adjustments to IFRS financial loss, net reflect the exclusion of certain one-time items included in financial loss, net, and; (iv) all adjustments to IFRS income data reflect the combined effect of these adjustments, plus with respect to net income and diluted earnings per share, certain one-time tax effects and the income tax effect of the non-IFRS adjustments.

    In millions of Euros, except percentages Three months ended September 30, Change
    2024

    IFRS

    Share-based compensation expense and related social charges Lease incentives of acquired companies 2024

    Non-IFRS

    2023

    IFRS

    Share-based compensation expense and related social charges Lease incentives of acquired companies 2023

    Non-IFRS

    IFRS Non-

    IFRS

    Cost of revenue (252.9) 3.3 0.1 (249.5) (238.2) 2.1 0.2 (236.0) 6% 6%
    Research and development expenses (321.0) 20.4 0.2 (300.4) (299.2) 14.9 0.3 (284.1) 7% 6%
    Marketing and sales expenses (403.7) 18.9 0.0 (384.8) (381.0) 11.1 0.1 (369.8) 6% 4%
    General and administrative expenses (117.5) 20.8 0.0 (96.6) (103.2) 10.3 0.0 (92.9) 14% 4%
    Total   € 63.4 € 0.4     € 38.4 € 0.7      

    (2) The non-IFRS percentage increase (decrease) compares non-IFRS measures for the two different periods. In the event there is non-IFRS adjustment to the relevant measure for only one of the periods under comparison, the non-IFRS increase (decrease) compares the non-IFRS measure to the relevant IFRS measure.
    (3) Based on a weighted average 1,323.1 million diluted shares for Q3 2024 and 1,326.1 million diluted shares for Q3 2023, and, for IFRS only, a diluted net income attributable to the sharehorlders of € 243.2 million for Q3 2024 (€ 243.5 million for Q3 2023). The Diluted net income attributable to equity holders of the Group corresponds to the Net Income attributable to equity holders of the Group adjusted by the impact of the share-based compensation plans to be settled either in cash or in shares at the option of the Group.

    DASSAULT SYSTÈMES
    SUPPLEMENTAL NON-IFRS FINANCIAL INFORMATION
    IFRS – NON-IFRS RECONCILIATION
    (unaudited; in millions of Euros, except per share data and percentages)

    Readers are cautioned that the supplemental non-IFRS information presented in this press release is subject to inherent limitations. It is not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles and should not be considered as a substitute for IFRS measurements. Also, the Group’s supplemental non-IFRS financial information may not be comparable to similarly titled “non-IFRS” measures used by other companies. Further specific limitations for individual non-IFRS measures, and the reasons for presenting non-IFRS financial information, are set forth in the Group’s Document d’Enregistrement Universel for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the AMF on March 18, 2024. To compensate for these limitations, the supplemental non-IFRS financial information should be read not in isolation, but only in conjunction with the Group’s consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS.

    In millions of Euros, except per share data and percentages Nine months ended September 30, Change
    2024 Adjustment(1) 2024 2023 Adjustment(1) 2023 IFRS Non-IFRS(2)
    IFRS Non-IFRS IFRS Non-IFRS
    Total Revenue € 4,459.3   € 4,459.3 € 4,308.0 € 4,308.0 4% 4%
    Revenue breakdown by activity                
    Software revenue 4,011.8   4,011.8 3,883.9 3,883.9 3% 3%
    Licenses and other software revenue 719.8 719.8 735.8 735.8 (2)% (2)%
    Subscription and Support revenue 3,292.0   3,292.0 3,148.1 3,148.1 5% 5%
    Recurring portion of Software revenue 82%   82% 81%   81%    
    Services revenue 447.6 447.6 424.1 424.1 6% 6%
    Software Revenue breakdown by product line                
    Industrial Innovation 2,117.9 2,117.9 2,070.7 2,070.7 2% 2%
    Life Sciences 846.6 846.6 863.8 863.8 (2)% (2)%
    Mainstream Innovation 1,047.4 1,047.4 949.5 949.5 10% 10%
    Software Revenue breakdown by geography                
    Americas 1,619.7   1,619.7 1,575.2 1,575.2 3% 3%
    Europe 1,465.4 1,465.4 1,426.3 1,426.3 3% 3%
    Asia 926.6 926.6 882.4 882.4 5% 5%
    Total Operating Expenses € (3,583.1) € 470.8 € (3,112.4) € (3,447.7) € 475.4 € (2,972.3) 4% 5%
    Share-based compensation expense and related social charges (175.9) 175.9 (172.6) 172.6    
    Amortization of acquired intangible assets and of tangible assets revaluation (274.1) 274.1 (284.0) 284.0    
    Lease incentives of acquired companies (1.5) 1.5 (2.1) 2.1    
    Other operating income and expense, net (19.2) 19.2 (16.7) 16.7    
    Operating Income € 876.2 € 470.8 € 1,347.0 € 860.3 € 475.4 € 1,335.7 2% 1%
    Operating Margin 19.6%   30.2% 20.0%   31.0%    
    Financial income (loss), net 95.5 2.1 97.6 31.1 28.3 59.4 207% 64%
    Income tax expense (184.4) (83.8) (268.2) (171.5) (112.8) (284.3) 8% (6)%
    Non-controlling interest 0.9 (2.8) (1.9) 1.0 (1.2) (0.2) (3)% N/A
    Net Income attributable to shareholders € 788.2 € 386.2 € 1,174.4 € 720.9 € 389.7 € 1,110.7 9% 6%
    Diluted Earnings Per Share (3) € 0.61 € 0.28 € 0.89 € 0.54 € 0.29 € 0.84 12% 6%

    (1) In the reconciliation schedule above, (i) all adjustments to IFRS revenue data reflect the exclusion of the effect of adjusting the carrying value of acquired companies’ contract liabilities (deferred revenue); (ii) adjustments to IFRS operating expense data reflect the exclusion of the amortization of acquired intangible assets and of tangible assets revaluation, share-based compensation expense, including related social charges, lease incentives of acquired companies, as detailed below, and other operating income and expense, net including acquisition, integration and restructuring expenses, and impairment of goodwill and acquired intangible assets; (iii) adjustments to IFRS financial loss, net reflect the exclusion of certain one-time items included in financial loss, net, and; (iv) all adjustments to IFRS income data reflect the combined effect of these adjustments, plus with respect to net income and diluted earnings per share, certain one-time tax effects and the income tax effect of the non-IFRS adjustments.

    In millions of Euros, except percentages Nine months ended September 30, Change
    2024

    IFRS

    Share-based compensation expense and related social charges Lease incentives of acquired companies 2024

    Non-IFRS

    2023

    IFRS

    Share-based compensation expense and related social charges Lease incentives of acquired companies 2023

    Non-IFRS

    IFRS Non-

    IFRS

    Cost of revenue (749.4) 11.2 0.4 (737.8) (715.1) 12.1 0.6 (702.3) 5% 5%
    Research and development expenses (958.5) 58.7 0.7 (899.1) (910.8) 65.9 0.9 (844.0) 5% 7%
    Marketing and sales expenses (1,247.7) 55.7 0.2 (1,191.8) (1,195.2) 52.7 0.4 (1,142.2) 4% 4%
    General and administrative expenses (334.1) 50.3 0.1 (283.7) (325.9) 42.0 0.1 (283.8) 3% (0)%
    Total   € 175.9 € 1.5     € 172.6 € 2.1      

    (2) The non-IFRS percentage increase (decrease) compares non-IFRS measures for the two different periods. In the event there is non-IFRS adjustment to the relevant measure for only one of the periods under comparison, the non-IFRS increase (decrease) compares the non-IFRS measure to the relevant IFRS measure.
    (3) Based on a weighted average 1,327.0 million diluted shares for YTD 2024 and 1,326.8 million diluted shares for YTD 2023, and, for IFRS only, a diluted net income attributable to the shareholders of € 805.5 million for YTD 2024 (€ 720.9 million for YTD 2023). The Diluted net income attributable to equity holders of the Group corresponds to the Net Income attributable to equity holders of the Group adjusted by the impact of the share-based compensation plans to be settled either in cash or in shares at the option of the Group.


    1 IFRS figures for 3Q24: total revenue at €1.46 billion, operating margin of 18.9% and diluted EPS at €0.18; IFRS figures for YTD24: total revenue at €4.46 billion, operating margin of 19.6% and diluted EPS at €0.61.  

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Central Bank of Savings Banks Finland Plc, Sp Mortgage Bank Plc & Savings Banks Group: Release of Financial Statements for 2024 will be published on 13th of February 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Central Bank of Savings Banks Finland Plc, Sp Mortgage Bank Plc & Savings Banks Group

    Stock Exchange Release
    24th of October 2024 at 8 am (CET +1)

    Central Bank of Savings Banks Finland Plc and Sp Mortgage Bank Plc will publish their Board of Directors Report and IFRS Financial Statements 2024 on 13th of February 2025. Savings Banks Group will publish their Releases of Financial Statements for 2025 at the same time on 13th of February 2025. All will be published as a stock exchange release and can be also found at www.saastopankki.fi.

    CENTRAL BANK OF SAVINGS BANKS FINLAND PLC, SP MORTGAGE BANK PLC & SAVINGS BANKS GROUP

    Further information:

    Kai Koskela
    acting CEO
    Säästöpankkiliitto osk
    +358 40 549 0430  
    kai.koskela@saastopankki.fi

    Sp Mortgage Bank Plc is part of the Savings Banks Group and the Savings Banks Amalgamation. The role of Sp Mortgage Bank is, together with Central Bank of Savings Banks Finland Plc, to be responsible for obtaining funding for the Savings Banks Group from money and capital markets. Sp Mortgage Bank is responsible for the Savings Banks Group’s mortgage-secured funding by issuing covered bonds. 

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: CMA launches programme of work to support growth mission

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The CMA announces a new growth-focused work programme from its Microeconomics Unit alongside publication of its third State of Competition report.

    To support the UK government’s growth mission and Industrial Strategy, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has today announced the next programme of work to be conducted by economists in the CMA’s specialist Microeconomics Unit (MU).

    In its recently published Industrial Strategy Green Paper,  the UK government noted the importance of “competitive and innovative business ecosystems, particularly in industries with low market dynamism and high barriers to entry” and the need for “competitive markets to improve efficiency and improve the performance of interconnected value chains, ultimately benefiting consumers through better prices, quality, and choice”.

    The CMA’s new MU Growth Programme will focus on critical drivers and blockers of growth including: how easily or not new technology spreads across the economy; the impact of upstream market power on economic performance and supply chain resilience; and how competition impacts investment.

    This new work programme follows the CMA’s third State of Competition report, also published today.

    Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said:

    At a time of tremendous opportunity for the UK, effective competition has a key role to play in driving economic growth, investment, and innovation. That’s why the CMA is launching the new MU Growth Programme to help inform the government’s growth mission and Industrial Strategy.

    This follows our latest State of Competition Report, which indicates that levels of effective competition in the UK have weakened slightly over time, although by less than in other economies, and that levels of business dynamism have fallen. The report reinforces the important role of effective competition enforcement to drive greater business dynamism and sustained innovation, productivity, and growth across the economy.

    The CMA’s third State of Competition report is the most comprehensive assessment to date of how competition is working in the UK. Today’s report reinforces the importance of continued action by the CMA and wider UK government to keep markets open, competitive, and dynamic.

    Key findings of the CMA’s third State of Competition report include:

    • Indicators suggesting levels of competition across the economy have weakened slightly over time, but at a slower rate than some other advanced economies. Markups – the difference between the selling price of a good or service and the amount it costs to make have risen by around 10% in Great Britain over the past 25 years. And the increase in markups is greater among firms that already have higher markups.

    • Business dynamism has fallen  across all measures, cementing concerns identified in the 2022 State of Competition report – as referenced in the UK government’s Industrial Strategy Green Paper. Competition between firms jostling for market share spurs growth, but firm entry and exit rates have declined across most sectors. At the top of most industries, the largest firms are more likely to keep their position over multiple years , while new entrants are less successful than they used to be in displacing them.

    • Technology plays an important role in markups. Investment in upfront fixed costs (like research and development, software, and branding) have become increasingly important for firms to compete effectively. As a result, markups in firms making these investments are higher, to cover upfront costs. But where investments in technology create barriers to entry, this can also lead to lower levels of effective competition.

    • In an environment where dynamism is falling, and technological change may be benefitting larger firms, effective competition policy – merger control and the enforcement of competition law – is critical to keep market power in check. Competition may be weaker in some ‘upstream’ sectors, where markups tend to be higher and trade contributes positively to competition – markups are lower in sectors exposed to international trade.

    The CMA’s MU Growth Programme will focus analysis across a range of issues including: 

    • barriers to the spread of new technology and knowledge across the economy, recognised in the report as a potential barrier to dynamism and growth
    • the role of competition in driving and directing productive investment
    • the strength of competition along supply chains, and the impact of ‘upstream’ market power on downstream sectors – reflecting the importance of competitive markets for key inputs to UK economic performance and resilience
    • pro-growth industrial policy interventions, and lessons from past experience and other countries, to help inform the UK government’s Invest 2035

    Notes to editors

    1. The previous State of Competition Report was published in 2022.
    2. Recognising the importance of competition, in 2020 the then Chancellor and the Business Secretary asked the CMA to regularly publish a report assessing the state of competition in the UK economy over the last 25 years, which will continue under the new government.
    3. For media enquiries, contact the CMA press office on 020 3738 6460 or press@cma.gov.uk.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-Evening Report: Stalking rates in Australia are still shockingly high – one simple strategy might help

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Troy McEwan, Professor of Clinical and Forensic Psychology, Swinburne University of Technology

    UfaBizPhoto/Shutterstock

    New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reveals one in seven adult Australians have been stalked in their lifetime: one in five women and one in 15 men.

    While shocking to many, for those of us who work in the field, there is nothing surprising about these figures.

    The ABS has conducted similar surveys roughly every five years since 2005, which reveal basically the same results each time.

    About 3-4% of women and 1-2% of men are victims of stalking every year.

    These rates are consistent with those reported in research from the United Kingdom and United States, with small variations depending on definition.

    Stalking rates have remained stubbornly consistent despite the same ABS survey showing reductions in the rates of intimate partner violence and general violence over the past decade.

    The reasons for this are unclear, though there are obvious differences in the level of government and community investment in countering intimate partner violence versus awareness of and attention to stalking.

    What exactly is stalking?

    Stalking is a pattern of repeated and unwanted behaviour in which one person pushes their way into the life of another where they have no legitimate right to be, causing the target distress and fear.

    The most common methods are unwanted communication (by phone or digital media) and unwanted contacts (such as following someone or loitering nearby).

    Threats of violence and assault occur in at least a quarter of cases.

    Stalking that persists for more than two weeks is more likely to continue and cause significant harm.

    The impact of stalking

    Victims of persistent stalking have described it as “psychological rape”, with the stalker invading every part of their life.

    The cumulative impact of seemingly never-ending intrusions, and their social and financial toll, is probably why stalking victims report high rates of depression, anxiety and traumatic stress disorders.

    Researchers have estimated being stalked for 14 months costs victims approximately $A140,000, including direct costs from lost work and legal expenses and indirect costs of physical and mental harm.

    Who stalks?

    Most stalking is perpetrated by people who are known to the victim, either as an acquaintance or an ex-partner, with strangers responsible for about 20-25% of stalking.

    Stalking usually starts either because the person feels mistreated and stalks to take revenge or right the wrong, or they stalk to start or enact a relationship with the victim that does not exist. In a small number of cases, stalking has a sexual motivation and can sometimes be part of planning or preparation for a sexual assault.

    Regardless of motivation, most stalking is communicative – the stalker wants the victim to know they exist and to feel like they must respond.

    However, responding to a stalker is not advisable as it usually just adds fuel to the emotional fire that drives them.

    Ex-partners account for just under half of all stalking cases and many more women than men are stalked by an ex.

    Stalking in this context is a type of intimate partner violence and it receives by far the most attention and response.

    Research suggests that intimate partner stalking is more often identified as being perpetrated by former rather than current partners.

    Psychological abuse or coercive control during a relationship might be linked to increased potential for stalking after a break-up.

    Physical violence is much more common in cases of ex-partner stalking, with the ABS survey and earlier research finding half of intimate partner stalkers used physical violence.

    Thankfully, most stalking-related violence does not cause severe physical harm and homicide is extremely rare.

    Although prior stalking is common in ex-partner homicides, recent Victorian research showed that of 5,026 intimate partner violence reports to police involving stalking, only nine involved fatal or near fatal violence in the following 12 months.

    This means the presence of stalking is not a useful risk factor for trying to predict intimate partner homicide.

    Strategies against stalking

    Numerous strategies have been identified to prevent and reduce stalking-related harms. Among those tried largely outside Australia:

    The Victorian Law Reform Commission’s 2022 review of stalking laws recommended adoption of several of these strategies, though to date the state government has committed only to revising the stalking law.

    A simple but powerful strategy

    Stalking is a complicated problem and a comprehensive response needs multi-faceted systemic change that will be costly and take much effort and time.

    Currently, there doesn’t seem to be an appetite in Australia for the work required.

    However, there is one relatively straightforward thing the federal, state and territory governments could do right now to help: establish a national stalking helpline that can provide specialist information, advice and advocacy for all victims.

    Such a helpline was established in the UK in 2010 and has supported more than 65,000 people.

    The helpline provides online and telephone advice to potential stalking victims, including basic risk assessment, advocacy and links to local support services. It also provides advice to mental health professionals and others who are supporting stalking victims.

    The helpline serves all people, regardless of their gender or relationship with the stalker. Nearly half (45%) of its clients are stalked by a stranger or acquaintance, not an ex-partner. This highlights the importance of a specialised stalking response separate to existing services for family and intimate partner violence.

    An Australian equivalent would provide immediate support for victims and a focal point for necessary research and evaluation into what works to stop stalking.

    An Australian national stalking helpline would be a practical, relatively inexpensive and immediately helpful strategy that governments could implement to support the hundreds of thousands of Australians who are stalked every year.

    Troy McEwan has received funding from the Australian Research Council and Victoria Police for stalking-related research.

    ref. Stalking rates in Australia are still shockingly high – one simple strategy might help – https://theconversation.com/stalking-rates-in-australia-are-still-shockingly-high-one-simple-strategy-might-help-241891

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK supports rugby development in Solomon Islands through SOS Kit Aid

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Rugby Solomon Islands received donation of training kits from UK charity SOS Kit Aid through partnership with the British High Commission in Solomon Islands.

    A group photo with the SOS Aid kit donated to SIRUF.

    SOS Kit Aid is a charity organisation that distributes both new and second-hand rugby kits to children all over the world, with the support of World Rugby. It was founded back in 2001, by rugby dad, John Broadfoot, who, whilst during a trip to Romania witnessed a smiling 8-year-old boy running with the ball under one arm, whilst he used the other arm to hold up his shorts. John wanted to do something about this.

    John knew that his sons had several pairs of boots and other kit lying around at home, and so, to test out the potential, he collected kit from ten schools, to see how much was available on a wider scale. The test was an outstanding success and so SOS Kit Aid was born.

    Handing over the kits to the Solomon Islands Rugby Union Federation (SIRUF), High Commissioner His Excellency Thomas Coward said:

    Rugby teaches children values and teamwork. The Solomon Islanders Rugby Union Federation Get into Rugby programme frames this through its approach to Respect, Integrity, Solidarity, Discipline and Fun. Rugby is a great bridge between our two countries and brings us all together.

    Receiving the kits on SIRUF’s behalf was Secretary of the Executive Board, Angikinui Francis Tekatoha who said rugby has a long history and they have been developing the sport in Solomon Islands. He added:

    Our partnership with the British High Commission supports our Get into Rugby programme, Get into Rugby Plus and Rise Rugby. Our most recent rugby development programme is focusing on women, young people and schools so the gifts you are giving us today will be used in those programmes for training. The donation of kit deepens the partnership between the Rugby Federation and the British High Commission.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Strengthens Cyber Partnership with Singapore

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK and Singapore deepen cyber security collaboration, building on their Strategic Partnership.

    MOD Crown Copyright

    The UK recently welcomed Brigadier Edward Chen, Defence Cyber Chief of the Singapore Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS), in a visit focused on strengthening the UK-Singapore relationship in the cyber domain. During his visit, the Singaporean Defence Cyber Chief attended the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Cyber Power Workshop and participated in bilateral engagements with key UK stakeholders, including the Ministry of Defence, the National Cyber Security Centre, and industry leaders.  

    This visit took place ahead of the Singapore International Cyber Week, reflecting the UK’s commitment to international collaboration in the cyber domain, as emphasised by Deputy Commander Strategic Command, Lt Gen Tom Copinger-Symes:

    External relationships are vital in this domain which spans national and geographic boundaries. 

    MOD Crown Copyright

    The UK and Singapore are global leaders in cyber and electromagnetic capabilities, working closely with international partners to promote a secure and stable digital environment. This visit built on the UK-Singapore Strategic Partnership established last September, highlighting the commitment of both nations to deepen collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including cyber and emerging technologies. The partnership with Singapore is crucial to addressing shared cyber challenges and ensuring a resilient digital future.

    MOD Crown Copyright

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Appeal to trace relatives of the late Elizabeth Gwynne

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Elizabeth Gwynne, who was 64, had been living in the Merry Hill area of the city.

    Anyone who is related to Mrs Gwynne, or has any information which may help trace her relatives, is asked to please call Protection and Funerals Officer Donna Hulme on 07971 317893 or email her via donna.hulme3@wolverhampton.gov.uk as soon as possible.
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Maldives WTO Trade Policy Review: UK Statement, October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK’s Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and UN in Geneva, Simon Manley, gave a statement during The Maldives Trade Policy Review.

    Chair, let me offer a warm welcome to the delegation from the Maldives led by the Minister of State. Let me also express my gratitude, both to him and his team for their report and to the WTO Secretariat, for their report. I also thank you Chair, for your very good introduction and let me also pay tribute to our Discussant, my very good friend, Ambassador Murdoch, for an intervention. If I may say, for those of us that are of a cricketing bent, Ambassador, combined the elegance and power of your good friend Sir Viv Richards with the intellectual rigour of my own hero Mike Brearley.

    Reports analysis

    1. Chair, the Maldives experience exemplifies the benefits of open trade to sustainable development. You spoke of it as a shining example, I would agree with that. That openness has clearly been a factor in enabling significant infrastructure development, an increasingly diverse tourism sector (in which so many of us aspire to be customers) and a highly sustainable fishing industry – to which both the Minister and Ambassador Murdoch paid tribute.

    2. While the COVID-19 pandemic had a severe impact on the Maldives’ economy, as it did on ours and so many around this organisation, the tourism industry clearly drove forward a strong recovery. A tourism industry which is deeply appreciated by Brits, who come in such droves that the UK consistently features in the top four nationalities visiting your country. You may detect a theme here, Minister.

    3. The reports also demonstrate the continued strength in the Maldives’ trade in services sector, which increased by 47% from 2017 to 2022, driven by a 64% increase in travel service exports. If I may say, yet another example of how trade in services can drive sustainable development in developing countries, which I think is a wider point for this organisation.

    4. Redistribution of that revenue from trade has allowed Maldives, as others have said, to transform from an LDC to an upper middle-income country, classed as a high human development country according to the Human Development Index. So congratulations Minister, congratulations to you, your government and your team here.

    Bilateral trade

    1. Chair, as a fellow Commonwealth member, indeed you, the Maldives, and Ambassador Murdoch, we are coming together in Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM), the UK – Maldives relationship is marked by rich, historical and contemporary ties that are woven into every facet of the enduring friendship between our Governments, our businesses and our people.

    2. We collaborate closely on governance, security, counter terrorism, climate change, environmental protection. And if I may venture out of this building for a second, also on Human Rights, where if I may say, Maldives has played such an important role here in Geneva, punching well above its weight, particularly in its support to fellow SIDS and LDCs, through its role as the co-chair of the Contact Group on HRC membership. And, of course, trade are key areas of collaboration between our two nations. And they are areas of partnership which we will both be seeking to strengthen in Samoa this week.

    3. Protecting the Maldives’ thriving marine biodiversity, is a key objective in our relationship – not just for the enjoyment of the British tourists but also for the future and preservation of our planet. We have a shared interest in the entry to force of Fish I and the early conclusion of Fish II.

    4. Our ties extend to our businesses as well. Total trade in goods and services between the UK and Maldives was worth over half a billion pounds in the four quarters to the end of Q1 2024, and we are proud to be the third largest market for the Maldives’ merchandise exports, those fisheries that Ambassador Murdoch referred to.

    5. A British Business Group was launched in May 2024, as an opportunity to promote trade, and foster business and commercial partnerships and other links between our two nations.

    Business environment and women in trade

    1. Chair, let me encourage Maldives to continue its work to promote a business-friendly environment that supports economic diversification. And if I may add, with two hats, both as UK PR and co-chair on the working group on trade and gender we value its efforts in advancing women’s economic empowerment and its engagement on trade and gender equality at the WTO.

    2. Equally, let me highlight the SME Development Financing Corporation, established by the Maldives in 2019 to support financial inclusion for MSMEs, women and youth, again very admirable initiatives.

    UK support programmes [the Maldives Development Partnership]

    1. As I previously alluded to, a key area of partnership between our two nations is through our mutual environmental objectives. Under the Blue Planet Fund, the Ocean Country Partnership Programme focuses extensive work on Marine Pollution and Biodiversity. Meanwhile the Climate Action for a Resilient Asia programme is funding a Climate Finance Network programme on transforming the Blue Economy with Maldives MSME Empowerment and Blended Finance.

    2. This year, in these few weeks ahead of us, when we have the three Rio Convention COPs meeting in quick succession, it is essential that we work together to deliver on our commitments across all issues of environmental sustainability, an issue of such critical importance to the Maldives, as the Minister reminded us at the start.

    WTO and multilateral institutions

    1. The continued commitment Maldives has shown to the Multilateral Trading System, as a founding member of the WTO, and, more recently, Maldives’ engagement with discussions on environmentally sustainable trade practices is welcome. Others have suggested other areas where we could increase that participation here.

    2. We have also been pleased to see the progress that Maldives have made on the ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, supported, I might add by the UK’s Accelerate Trade Facilitation programme. Just this month British colleagues were in Maldives for the validation of their National Trade Facilitation roadmap. We look forward to working with the Maldives to implement further measures.

    3. Fisheries, as we’ve reflected, is a huge pillar of the Maldivian economy, and the practice of pole and line fishing is one of the most sustainable methods for fishing. We urge Maldives to ratify Fish I, which will help us to deliver on SDG mandate 14.6. The UK is fully behind Maldives, and others, not least our distinguished permanent representative from Iceland, in securing agreement on the second phase of negotiations on Fisheries Subsidies at the very earliest possible opportunity.

    Conclusion

    1. In conclusion, Chair, let me thank you, the Discussant, and the whole delegation from the Maldives for your work on this Review and the accompanying Reports.

    2. Chair, Maldives is known as a beautiful holiday destination – many newlyweds travel from far and wide to see the rare white sands beaches and diverse sea life. The story these reports tell of the Maldives’ trade and its coupling with the WTO, show a match made in heaven – a true case study for the story of free, fair and open trade that the multilateral system allows us to see.

    Thank you very much indeed.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Christmas air mail – latest dates of posting 2024

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

          Hongkong Post today (October 24) announced the latest air mail posting dates for Christmas this year. While the dates are provisional, they have been calculated based on the requirements of respective postal administrations, and are for reference only. These dates and services are subject to availability of flights, and may be altered at short notice. Members of the public are advised to post earlier than the dates shown. They may visit the Hongkong Post web page at (www.hongkongpost.hk/en/about_us/whats_new/index.html) on the service availability for various destinations before posting.
     

    Destinations
    Letters and packets
    Parcels

    Asia and the Middle East

    Bangladesh
    December 5
    November 29

    Brunei Darussalam
    December 3
    *

    India
    December 2
    November 29

    Indonesia
    December 6
    December 5

    Iran
    December 3
    December 2

    Israel
    December 3
    *

    Japan
    December 4
    December 4

    Jordan
    December 3
    December 2

    Korea
    December 3
    December 3

    Lao People’s Democratic Republic
    December 9
    December 6

    Lebanon
    November 29
    November 28

    Malaysia
    December 3
    December 2

    Myanmar
    December 3
    *

    Nepal
    December 3
    *

    Pakistan
    December 9
    December 2

    Saudi Arabia
    December 3
    December 2

    Singapore
    December 2
    November 29

    Sri Lanka
    December 9
    *

    Taiwan
    December 4
    December 2

    Thailand
    December 4
    December 2

    The Mainland
    December 9
    December 5

    The Philippines
    December 3
    December 2

    United Arab Emirates
    December 5
    December 4

    Vietnam
    December 6
    December 5

    Other destinations in Asia
    and the Middle East
    December 5
    December 4

    Central, South and North America

    Argentina
    November 19
    November 18

    Brazil
    December 2
    November 20

    Canada
    December 4
    November 28

    Chile
    November 28
    November 18

    Costa Rica
    November 19
    *

    Mexico
    November 29
    November 29

    Panama
    December 3
    December 2

    Peru
    December 3
    December 2

    United States
    December 5
    December 5

    Other destinations in Central, South and North America   
    November 28
    November 26

    Europe

    Austria
    December 3
    December 2

    Belgium
    December 5
    December 4

    Cyprus
    November 19
    November 18

    Czech Republic
    November 18
    November 18

    Denmark
    December 2
    November 29

    Estonia
    December 4
    December 3

    Finland
    December 5
    December 2

    France
    December 3
    December 3

    Germany
    December 6
    December 5

    Greece
    November 28
    November 27

    Hungary
    December 3
    December 2

    Iceland
    December 2
    *

    Ireland
    December 9
    December 2

    Italy
    December 3
    *

    Latvia
    December 2
    November 29

    Lithuania
    December 3
    December 2

    Malta
    December 3
    December 2

    Netherlands
    December 3
    December 2

    Norway
    December 3
    December 2

    Poland
    December 4
    December 2

    Portugal
    December 3
    November 28

    Romania
    December 6
    December 2

    Russia
    November 25
    November 15

    Serbia
    December 3
    December 2

    Slovakia
    December 4
    November 29

    Spain
    November 28
    November 28

    Sweden
    December 3
    December 2

    Switzerland
    December 9
    December 5

    Türkiye
    December 3
    December 2

    United Kingdom
    December 3
    December 3

    Other destinations in Europe
    November 26
    November 25

    Oceania

    Australia
    December 4
    December 4

    Fiji
    November 29
    November 28

    French Polynesia
    December 3
    December 2

    Nauru
    November 29
    *

    New Caledonia
    December 3
    December 2

    New Zealand
    November 29
    November 29

    Papua New Guinea
    November 26
    *

    Solomon Islands
    December 3
    *

    Tonga
    December 3
    December 2

    Other destinations in Oceania
    December 3
    November 25

    Africa

    Egypt
    December 6
    December 6

    Kenya
    December 3
    *

    Malawi
    December 4
    *

    Mauritius
    December 3
    November 27

    Morocco
    December 3
    December 2

    South Africa
    November 21
    November 20

    Other destinations in Africa
    December 3
    December 2

    * Service is currently under suspension

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: SMS Text Message Scams across the Island 24 October 2024 fraudulent text messages

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    The Isle of Wight Council is urging residents to be vigilant of fraudulent SMS messages being circulated.

    There are various messages being sent circulated claiming to be from official bodies, including.

    • Stating you are eligible for £900 from Household Support Fund
    • Cost of Living Payments from the Department of Work and Pensions
    • Winter heating subsidies for the UK Home Office
    • Parking fines

    These messages ask you to click on a link. This is a SCAM. Please DO NOT click any links or provide any personal information and bank details. Remember to be cautious of unsolicited messages offering money

    When in doubt, contact us directly through Trading Standards trading.standards@iow.gov.uk   You can also forward any suspicious texts to 7726. This is a free for UK mobile customers. Your mobile provider will investigate the number and may block it.

    Stay vigilant and report any suspicious messages and please pass on this warning to friends and family. Together we can help protect our community.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Security: Network smuggling migrants via Belarus busted in Poland

    Source: Europol

    The Polish Border Guard, supported by Europol, has successfully targeted a large criminal network smuggling migrants from Belarus and Russia into the EU. The investigation was conducted within the framework of a Europol Operational Task Force, made up of authorities from Austria, Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Ukraine. A Europol expert supported the operation on the ground in…

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Three independent members reappointed to the Judicial Pension Board

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Lord Chancellor has approved the reappointment of 3 independent members to the Judicial Pension Board for a second term of 3 years.

    The Lord Chancellor has approved the reappointment of 3 independent members of the Judicial Pension Board. The members are:

    Kim Brown and Josephine Maguire have been reappointed for a second term of 3 years from 1 May 2025 to 30 April 2028.

    Russell Agius has been reappointed for a second term of 3 years from 5 September 2025 to 4 September 2028.

    The Judicial Pension Board is responsible for helping the Lord Chancellor manage and govern the Judicial Pension Schemes by ensuring they comply with the requirements of the Pensions Regulator.

    Appointments and reappointments are made by the Lord Chancellor and are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.  The reappointments have been made in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

    Biographies

    Kim Brown

    Kim Brown is Head of Mastertrust and Independent Governance Committee at Legal and General and Chairs the industry wide Pensions Equity Group.  Previously she was Head of the Master Trust Authorisation and Supervision department at The Pensions Regulator.

    Josephine Maguire

    Jo Maguire is a Trustee of the DH&S Retirement and Death Benefits Plan and the Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) Pension Fund. Previously, she was a Pensions Assurance director with PwC and an Executive Director of the Pensions Research Accountants Group.

    Russell Agius

    Russell Agius has been advising on pension schemes for over 30 years. He is a Partner at Aon. He spends most of his time advising trustees but also has various corporate appointments. He has carried out secondments with the Department for Work and Pensions, the Pension Protection Fund and the Pensions Regulator.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Civil Service continues commitment to minimum 60% office attendance

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Heads of Department have agreed that 60% minimum office attendance for most staff continues to be the best balance of working for the Civil Service. Office occupancy data for the period July – September has been published today, with further publications to now happen on a quarterly basis.

    • Guidance on Civil Servant office attendance will not change
    • Requirement of 60% of time in the office given benefits of face-to-face working

    Guidance on office attendance will remain in place, with most civil servants expected to spend at least 60% of their time at a Government building or on official business, such as visiting stakeholders.

    Heads of Departments across government have agreed that the Civil Service is best able to deliver for the people it serves by taking a consistent approach to in office working.

    Heads of Department have agreed that 60% minimum office attendance for most staff continues to be the best balance of working for the Civil Service. Senior managers will continue to be expected to be in the office more than 60% of the time. 

    The approach will allow teams and departments to maximise the benefits of hybrid working and getting the best from being together. The Civil Service approach is comparable to other large private and public sector employers.

    This reflects the view of Civil Service leaders that there remain clear benefits to spending time working together face-to-face as the government delivers on the Missions commitments. 

    Leaders from across departments commit to continue to listen to staff, to adapt to individual needs where specific changes may be required, and ensure the approach continues to meet business needs.

    The office attendance approach comes alongside the publication of quarterly data for office occupancy in departmental headquarters.

    The data for the period July – September has been published today, with further publications to now happen on a quarterly basis. 

    The change to quarterly publication will provide a more cost-effective way to track the use of office space in departmental HQs. This will balance the need for transparency whilst ensuring taxpayer money is used effectively by reducing the burden on departments collecting the data.

    NOTES TO EDITORS:

    • Data published on desk occupancy are related to departmental HQ buildings only, and inferences about the wider workforce should not be made based upon them.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Press Conference Apia, Samoa

    Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

    Penny Wong, Foreign Minister: Look, can I say how wonderful it is to be here in Samoa as it hosts its first ever Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, the first time this has been held in a Pacific Island country. And Australia has been really pleased to partner with Samoa, and we are really pleased – I’m really pleased to be here, and I know the Prime Minister is very pleased to be able to join us this evening.

    I want to thank a woman for whom I have such great regard, Prime Minister Fiamē, for her leadership, for her hospitality, for her thoughtful hosting of this meeting and, the way in which she has sought to elevate Pacific priorities and voices on the international stage.

    It’s certainly been a busy day today. It kicked off with a meeting about investment, finance and investment, hosted by David Lammy, the UK Foreign Secretary. And we recognise that economic integration and investment are central to development, are central to alleviating poverty and enabling opportunity. And we’re partnering with the United Kingdom to develop a new Commonwealth Investment Network to support Commonwealth members, particularly smaller states who often have challenges accessing finance, accessing investment, to do just that – to attract and access investment.

    I’ve also been at the first session of the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting. Obviously, that’s in preparation for the Leaders’ Meeting tomorrow. Top of the agenda is, as you would expect here in Pacific, climate. And as you would have heard me say from the first day I was – I stood in the Pacific as Foreign Minister, and I’ve consistently recognised this as I have travelled throughout the Pacific, climate change is an existential threat. It is the number one national security threat, it is the number one economic threat to the peoples of the Pacific and to many members of the Commonwealth.

    We heard today from a number of African countries, including Zambia, about the escalating impacts of climate change, the effects on food insecurity. And I’m really pleased that we are able to announce a new Africa-Australia partnership for climate responsive agriculture. This is to be developed by the Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research, and it will address food insecurity in the region.

    Can I talk about what this means? One of the things Australia is good at is agriculture in very dry climates – for obvious reason. It is one of the areas we have an expertise, and this – I’m very excited about this partnership because it leverages a particular Australian expertise into a continent for which food insecurity is an ongoing and rising challenge. It’s another example of our commitment as a government to helping partners around the world in the fight against climate change. It’s about shaping the world for the better.

    I’ve also spoken to Pacific leaders about the ways in which Australia is transitioning our entire economy. It’s a big task, started later than it should have, but we are committed to making the very large change.

    I’ve had productive meetings with counterparts from Malta and Solomon Islands, and I’ve just returned from an event hosted by Samoa attended by Her Majesty the Queen, advocating for women and girls in the Commonwealth where we talked about the challenges facing women and girls, including violence against women, and we spoke about Australia’s progress in tackling cervical cancer.

    I’m looking forward to the rest of the program, and happy to take your questions shortly.

    I just want to make one comment about another matter, which is the deeply troubling news about North Korea’s contribution to Russia’s illegal and immoral war in Ukraine. This is a deeply concerning development to see not only Russia continue its illegal and immoral war but to see a state such as North Korea be invited by President Putin, encouraged by President Putin, to join or to support this illegal war. And Australia stands with the remained of the international community not only against Russia’s war but against North Korea’s involvement in what is an illegal and immoral and disruptive war.

    Happy to take questions.

    Journalist: My name is Deidre from TV1, a local reporter. I just wanted to ask, first question is: what kind of support has Australia provided for Samoa for CHOGM, aside from providing assistance in terms of police officers who have come and helped?

    Foreign Minister: Sure, yes, well, obviously that’s the more – most visible recent assistance, which I have to be really clear about is not just Australia. This is a multi-country initiative. It’s obviously contributions from many Pacific Island countries. When we announced the Pacific Policing Initiative at the Pacific Islands Forum I think the Prime Minister and certainly I’ve made the comment, you know, this is Pacific led. And that’s the approach we’ve seen in Samoa. So, it’s good to see these police cooperating on the ground.

    But the behind-the-scenes assistance or contribution obviously was primarily towards the arrangement of CHOGM and supporting – providing support at a diplomatic level. I can – we can talk to you about that in more detail.

    I want to say, though, to you, your country has done an extraordinary job. For a country of this size to be able to host a conference like this, you really all should be very proud. And I’ve no doubt knowing the Pacific and Samoa, this is a whole-of-nation effort, isn’t it? Like everybody steps up. I was talking to Prime Minister Fiamē, and she spoke about everybody stepping forward. And that’s what you see. And your diplomatic influence, your diplomatic standing, is far bigger than your population in terms of the proportion of the world. I see that at the UN when your Prime Minister speaks and your diplomats speak, and I see that in this conference.

    So, my congratulations to my very good friend Prime Minister Fiamē, but also to the people of Samoa for what has been a fantastic CHOGM, and I hope tomorrow goes as well. I’m sure it will.

    Journalist: Foreign Minister, just on the Falepili Union, Feleti Teo has said this morning that he believes that Australia does have a commitment or at least an implied commitment under the text of the Falepili Union to take a hard look at fossil fuel exports, not just Australia’s own internal commitments. What’s your response? Is there any sort of implied commitment in the Falepili Union towards fossil fuel exports? Do you disagree with that analysis?

    Foreign Minister: I think whether it’s the PIF declarations or the public statements we have made, I think we all understand the existential threat that climate change poses to the peoples of the Pacific. I think we all understand the effects of climate change in Australia which we have seen. We’re not a government like Mr Abbott’s and Mr Morrison’s or that has the views Mr Dutton has demonstrated where the science of climate change isn’t accepted, and the experience of Pacific peoples is diminished. Do you remember him saying – talking about making jokes about water lapping at the door?

    So, we understand the extent of this. I’ve spoken at length to the Prime Minister of Tuvalu about the transition in the Australian economy, and it is a very big transition. And I wish we had – you know, when we came to government, we had seen not just 30 per cent renewables but much more because we have to get to in excess of 80 per cent by the end of the decade. But that’s the transition we’re in and we will engage in it.

    On the broader issue of fossil fuel usage, not just in Australia but globally, of course we all have to, we all have to peak our emissions and reduce them, and Australia’s emissions peaked in 2005. We know that there are countries which are still increasing their supply, their coal-fired power stations. Of course, we all know that the whole world has to respond.

    The point I’ve made previously is that there are two emerging economies in the world which, you know, account for 40 per cent of global emissions – India and China. And in order for us to have a chance at restraining global temperature rise, we all have to commit to reducing emissions and to transitioning to cleaner energy. So, we’re up for that. It will take longer than I would have liked because, you know, obviously nothing was done for 10 years.

    Journalist: But can Australia shrug its shoulders in terms of those exports and simply say there is no problem with Australia expanding fossil fuel projects if there’s an appetite for it? The point that I think that Prime Minister Teo is making is that on the one hand Australia points to its own record, on the other hand, you’ve got countries like India and China continuing to expand fossil fuels. He doesn’t perhaps care who takes responsibility; the cycle has to be brought to a close.

    Foreign Minister: Yeah, I think we all have to take responsibility, which is why you also see Australia partnering with other countries to try and work with others to transition the global energy supply to renewable energy. You would have seen I work with Singapore; you’d see that we’re working with Germany. You know, Chris Bowen has spoken at length about the work that he is doing internationally.

    I wish we were – you know, when I was Climate Minister between 2007 and 2010, including the famous Copenhagen conference, I wish that what we were trying to get agreed then had been agreed and you and I would be having a very different conversation. But that isn’t what happened globally. That isn’t what happened in Australia, and we went backwards as a country. We know we have a lot of work to do. And I’ve been upfront with every partner in the Pacific. Of course, I listen, I hear what they say. And I think they also see in us a partner who wants to make this transition. And we will. We will.

    Journalist: Foreign Minister, in terms of Pacific Engagement Visa, I know our government does not want to participate in the first wave. So, my question is: have you received or has the government of Australia received any update from our government? And if the government did not, is Australia – will Australia be pushing for the Samoan government to support the visa?

    Foreign Minister: Yeah, Mr Dziedzic asked me those “if” questions, and I usually tell him off for doing that. But look, as a matter of principle, the Pacific Engagement Visa responds to a longstanding call from Pacific Island nations about wanting a different relationship with Australia. And you would have seen the fact demonstrated by the number of people who have sought to come to Australia in those countries where we have those arrangements. It’s been massive low oversubscribed and, you know, I understand that.

    I’ve also been very clear from the beginning, just like PALM, this is a question for the sending country. If people want it, we will work with whichever country, whichever Pacific Island nation, to set up the arrangements in ways they feel comfortable with. If countries don’t wish to go down this path, it’s not a compulsory path for us.

    We responded. A number of countries have very enthusiastically taken it up. It’s entirely a matter for others whether they choose to or not and, if they do, how they want it to work.

    Journalist: Just to follow up on that, if our government does not want to support it, is Australia willing to reconsider if individuals want to participate?

    Foreign Minister: No, we want this to be something – it’s a government-to-government arrangement for the process of it and the arrangements associated with it, so we wouldn’t want to see that. But, you know, we’re also – we’re not – there’s no deadline for – in the sense that we’re not saying, ‘unless you – you have to do it by this year or never at all.’ It’s a policy that’s in place. I anticipate that countries may work through some of the issues and then may decide that they want to be part of this in time to come. But that’s entirely a matter for them.

    Journalist: Just finally, if I might, Foreign Minister, on the question of Australia’s broader Pacific policy, can you give us a sense, when the Falepili Union was signed the Prime Minister and others made it clear that Australia was looking at if not signing similar agreements, then perhaps integrating more closely with the Pacific. There have been murmurs, obviously, about similar agreements with countries like Nauru and others. Can you give us a sense of where that program is up to and how Australia envisions this?

    Foreign Minister: That’s a good question. And it’s one that the whole country and both parties of government need to be part of. And unfortunately, we’ve not had an opposition that’s been willing, for example, to understand the importance of the Pacific Engagement Visa.

    Your question goes to the – is the right one though – how do you envisage the relationship? And we envisage the relationship as family, as close as we are able to be, recognising the sovereignty of all nations. And we see the benefit in different types of integration with the countries of the Pacific. Now, they’ll not always be the same. So, we have obviously a particular set of arrangements with some countries which are simply PALM or the Pacific Engagement Visa. With Tuvalu, we have a much deeper integration where there is much more that we have put on the table and that Tuvalu has put on the table as well.

    So obviously it will not be the same approach for each country. Countries will make their own decisions. But we see real benefit in responding to Pacific countries’, I suppose, aspirations for the relationship.

    Journalist: What are your expectations for the conference tomorrow? Regarding the continued fighting of the Pacific Islands towards climate change? What are your expectations of the outcome?

    Foreign Minister: Well, I hope that the leader’s communique or statement will be forward leaning on climate. I hope it will be collective in the sense that we recognise – I’ve seen a lot of things over the years – and it really goes to the question Mr Dziedzic asked earlier where we point the finger at each other but actually all of us have to respond on climate, all major economies, in particular. And I hope also that some of the progress that the Pacific has made in relation to sovereignty in the face of sea level rise, which we have backed in, I hope there is progress on that as well in terms of Leaders’ discussion. I know it’s a big step, but I think the Pacific has done a lot of quite innovative international legal work in ensuring that countries can retain sovereignty and retain their, you know, sovereignty over their EEZ, even in the face of sea level rise and that whatever we can do with the Pacific to continue to broaden that out I think is a good thing. And you would have seen that we’ve done that at the PIF and we’ve done that in the Falepili treaty.

    Journalist: One more question please –

    Foreign Minister: Last one.

    Journalist: What are your thoughts on Samoa’s government’s concerns of brain drain for RSE program and also – last one – have you visited one of the villages that is representing Australia in the rural area?

    Foreign Minister: No, no, I haven’t done – I haven’t been out of Apia, I’m afraid, on this visit. Some of the concerns that countries who are considering whether how to handle labour mobility programs, there are a range of concerns. You named one of them. What I have said at the PIF and privately and in meetings is we want these programs to work for you. So, we don’t offer access to the labour market because we are demanding labour; we see this as a partnership and as an economic development opportunity. So, we want the programs to work for you. So, however countries wish to have those programs designed within the limits of the program, we’ve sought to facilitate that. So, that’s how we do it. Okay? Thanks, everybody.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM meeting with Prime Minister Luxon of New Zealand: 24 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Prime Minister met Christopher Luxon, the Prime Minister of New Zealand in Samoa.

    The Prime Minister met Christopher Luxon, the Prime Minister of New Zealand in Samoa.

    The leaders discussed the importance of the Commonwealth, and the opportunities it presented for all its members.

    The Prime Minister said he believed there was a unique moment to harness the potential of the grouping to drive further growth and support smaller members, such as those in the Pacific.

    Turning to the bilateral relationship between the UK and New Zealand, the Prime Ministers reflected on the close people-to-people links and strong trading partnership.  

    Discussing the situation in Ukraine, the Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Luxon for New Zealand’s strong support for Operation Interflex, which had trained 45,000 Ukrainian troops, and updated him on his discussions with the Quad in Berlin last week.

    On the Middle East, the leaders agreed on the need for de-escalation, regional stability and the increase of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

    The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government crackdown on single-use vapes

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Ban on sale and supply of single-use vapes in England to come into force on 1 June 2025

    Single-use vapes in a green space

    New legislation to ban the sale of single-use vapes from 1 June 2025 has been laid in Parliament, Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh confirmed today.

    Single-use vapes are not rechargeable or refillable, and are typically discarded as general waste in a bin or littered, rather than recycled – contributing to a flood of litter on our streets. Even when they are sent to recycling facilities, they usually have to be disassembled by hand – a slow and difficult process which will struggle to keep up with the pace of vape production. Their lithium-ion batteries can also present a fire risk to waste industry workers. 

    Last year, it was estimated that almost five million single-use vapes were either littered or thrown away in general waste every week in the UK, almost four times as much as the previous year and the equivalent of eight being thrown away per second. In 2022, more than 40 tonnes of lithium from single-use vapes was discarded, which is the same amount used to power 5,000 electric vehicles. 

    Making the sale of single-use vapes illegal, delivers on the Government’s commitment to act on this important issue, and kick-starts the push towards a circular economy and helps to curb the rise of young people taking up vaping, while also protecting our natural environment and town streets from a tide of litter.   

    Vape usage in England grew by more than 400% between 2012 and 2023, with 9.1% of the British public now buying and using these products. The long-term health impacts of vaping are unknown, and the nicotine contained within them can be highly addictive, with withdrawal sometimes causing anxiety, trouble concentrating and headaches.

    Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said:

    Single-use vapes are extremely wasteful and blight our towns and cities. 

    That is why we are banning single use vapes as we end this nation’s throwaway culture.  

    This is the first step on the road to a circular economy, where we use resources for longer, reduce waste, accelerate the path to net-zero and create thousands of jobs across the country.

    Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne, said:

    It’s deeply worrying that a quarter of 11-15-year-olds used a vape last year and we know disposables are the product of choice for the majority of kids vaping today.

    Banning disposable vapes will not only protect the environment, but importantly reduce the appeal of vapes to children and keep them out of the hands of vulnerable young people.

    The government will also introduce the Tobacco and Vapes Bill – the biggest public health intervention in a generation – which will protect young people from becoming hooked on nicotine and pave the way for a smoke-free UK.

    The public is in favour of restricting the sale and supply of single-use vapes, with 69% of consultation respondents supporting these proposals in February 2024. 

    Banning these vapes will stop them from being thrown into bins with general waste, where they typically end up in landfill or being incinerated, posing a fire risk due to their lithium-ion batteries and can cause poor air quality. Furthermore, it will stop plastic, lead, and mercury from leaching into the environment, which can cause waterways to be contaminated and poison our wildlife.  

    The Government has laid legislation to introduce the ban and, subject to parliamentary approval, businesses will have until 1 June 2025 to sell any remaining stock they hold and prepare for the ban coming into force. The UK Government and Devolved Governments have worked closely and will align coming into force dates.

    Libby Peake, head of resources at Green Alliance, said:

    Disposable vapes are the last thing our children and the planet need, and for too long the market for them has been allowed to grow unchecked. Every single one wastes resources that are critical to a more sustainable economy – like lithium, needed for the batteries that power electric cars.

    When they’re littered, the nicotine, plastic and batteries they contain are all extremely harmful. Even when they’re put in a bin, their batteries can catch fire. The government is right to ban these harmful devices – it’s a welcome step in the journey towards an economy where waste is reduced by design.

    Climate activist and environmental scientist, Less Waste Laura said:

    Disposable vapes exploded on to the market, becoming perhaps the first mainstream disposable electronic device to litter our streets, and reflecting the relentless evolution of the tobacco industry. 

    The UK Government’s action to ban these single-use products in 2025 is a welcome, and crucial, step. The ban isn’t just about cutting littered vapes; it challenges the broader rise in disposable technology driving a concerning larger increase in electronic waste, with its associated fire risk, and use of scarce materials.

    I welcome the ban from a health angle too, and see it as crucial to breaking the grip of vaping on our youth, alongside challenging the throwaway culture threatening to suffocate our planet.

    Recent government figures show that recycling rates for waste from households has fallen to 44.1% in 2022.  

    This ban is part of the government’s commitment to end the nation’s throwaway culture and stop the avalanche of rubbish that is filling up our high streets, countryside and oceans.   

    The Environment Secretary has made it one of his five core priorities to move to a future where we keep our resources in use for longer, accelerate the path to net zero and increase investment in critical infrastructure and green jobs.

    Please see here for further information on the environmental cost of single-use vapes.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Call for Data: Safety of Cosmetic Ingredients

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    OPSS would like to invite any interested parties to submit any scientific information relevant to the safety assessment of cosmetic ingredients.

    The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) would like to invite any interested parties, including academia, manufacturers of cosmetic products, producers of the substances concerned and consumer associations to submit any scientific information relevant to the safety assessment of the following cosmetic ingredients.

    Any scientific data submitted for the safety assessment must include all relevant elements as prescribed in the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety Notes of Guidance for the Testing of Cosmetic Ingredients and Their Safety Evaluation.

    Note: The Scientific Advisory Group on Chemical Safety (SAG-CS) will use 70 kg as their default bodyweight assumption for adults in new safety assessments. This aligns with other UK groups, such as the UK Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment, who carry out chemical risk assessments across a range of sectors and have agreed that a default adult bodyweight of 70 kg is representative for the UK adult population. For more information, see SAG-CS.

    Please submit original study reports and literature in full for all data relied upon in the safety assessment. This is particularly important for the pivotal studies, those which support the critical No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) and point of departure and the dermal absorption value.

    How to submit data 

    Please submit relevant data by email to: opss.safetyassessment@businessandtrade.gov.uk.

    Deadline for Submission: 30 April 2025

    Note:  The data submitted may be subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000.  Any confidential and commercially sensitive data should ONLY be submitted if it is relevant to the safety assessment. Any confidential and commercially sensitive data must be very clearly marked in a submission. Any data that is not marked as confidential and /or commercially sensitive may be liable for release under an appropriate request.   

    Prostaglandins and prostaglandin analogues

    Prostaglandins and prostaglandin analogues are used in cosmetic products with the function of promoting eyelash growth. These types of eyelash growth products are increasingly available on the UK market and contain prostaglandin analogues such as:

    • Isopropyl closprostenate (CAS 157283-66-4)
    • Bimatoprost (CAS 155206-00-1)
    • Ethyl tafluprostamide (CAS 209860-87-7)
    • Norbimatoprost
    • Methylamido dihydro noralfaprostal

    Due to their potency, intended use in the proximity of the eye and concerns raised by other scientific bodies / regulators over their safety, OPSS would like to evaluate the safety of these ingredients in cosmetic products.

    Note: This call for data is not limited to prostaglandin analogues mentioned in the list above. OPSS is seeking data on all relevant prostaglandin analogues used in cosmetic products.

    Alpha and beta-arbutin

    Alpha-arbutin (CAS 84380-01-8) and beta-arbutin (CAS 497-76-7) are used as antioxidants, skin bleaching and skin conditioning agents in cosmetic products. OPSS has concerns regarding the risks associated with the use of these ingredients in cosmetic products due to their degradation to hydroquinone under common storage conditions. Hydroquinone is a known carcinogen, mutagen and a strong skin sensitiser which is prohibited from use in cosmetic products (except for entry 14 in Annex III of the UK cosmetics Regulation). As a result OPSS would like to evaluate the safety of these ingredients in cosmetic products.

    Vitamin A

    Vitamin A derivatives such as retinol (CAS 68-26-8), retinyl acetate (CAS 127-47-9) and retinyl palmitate (CAS 79-81-2) are used in cosmetic products for their anti-aging and antioxidant properties. The major source of vitamin A exposure in the population is food and food supplements. As a result, any additional source of exposure, including cosmetic products, may exceed tolerable upper intake levels.  Therefore, there is a potential risk to human health arising from the use of vitamin A in cosmetic products when its concentration exceeds certain levels. As a result OPSS would like to evaluate the safety of these ingredients in cosmetic products.

    Data protection   

    OPSS is committed to processing information in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018).  The personal data collected on this form will be held securely and will only be used for administrative purposes. If you would like to understand what personal information OPSS collects about you, how OPSS uses this personal information, and what rights you have regarding your personal information, then please refer to our Privacy Notice.

    Updates to this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Positive response to homelessness

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    ALMOST 1000 people either homeless or facing the prospect of losing their home were rehoused by Dundee City Council last year according to a new report.
    The figures, which show that the council met its statutory duty in 100% of cases are revealed in a review of year five of the Scottish Government -funded Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan (RRTP).
    Mark Flynn convener of the council’s neighbourhood regeneration, housing and estate management committee said: “While there was a 3% reduction in people presenting as homeless last year there was a full duty to rehouse in 993 applications. Of those we found permanent accommodation for 721.
    “But positive as this is, we know that there is still more to be done in the coming year to tackle things like the length of time people spend in temporary accommodation and the number of people who are still waiting for an offer of a permanent house.”
    The RRTP notes that during year five (2023/2024) temporary accommodation capacity increased in Dundee by 38% from the previous year but B&B accommodation continued to be used to meet demand.
    To tackle the ongoing challenges posed by homelessness in the coming year the plan outlines a number of activities. These include:
    reducing the use of B&Bs by bringing void properties back into use through the void recovery improvement plan;
    matching homeless applicants to suitable void properties at an earlier stage of the allocation process;
    exploring a procurement strategy to source temporary accommodation in the private sector;
    using the private rented sector where it is suitable to do so for applicants who wish to be housed in specific areas or house types; and
    increasing preventative measures through a strategic working group.
    The neighbourhood regeneration, housing and estate management committee meets on Monday (October 28).

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI USA: Venezuelan Television News Network Owner Charged in Alleged $1.2B Money Laundering Scheme

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A federal grand jury in the Southern District of Florida returned an indictment today charging a Venezuelan television news network owner for his role in a $1.2 billion scheme to launder funds corruptly obtained from Venezuela’s state-owned and state-controlled energy company, Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA), in exchange for hundreds of millions in bribe payments to Venezuelan officials.

    According to court documents, between 2014 and 2018, Raul Gorrin Belisario (Gorrin), 56, of Venezuela, conspired with others to launder the proceeds of an illegal bribery scheme using the U.S. financial system as well as various bank accounts located abroad. Gorrin and his co-conspirators paid millions of dollars in bribes to high-level Venezuelan officials to obtain foreign currency exchange loan contracts with PDVSA. Gorrin and his co-conspirators subsequently directed the laundering of the illicit proceeds, in part, in the Southern District of Florida, where they purchased real estate, yachts, and other luxury items. To conceal the movement of the bribe payments and illicit funds, Gorrin and his co-conspirators used a series of shell companies and offshore bank accounts.

    “According to the indictment, Gorrin and his co-conspirators paid millions of dollars in bribes to high-ranking foreign officials to secure over $1 billion in ill-gotten gains, which Gorrin and his co-conspirators used to purchase yachts and other luxury items in the United States,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Gorrin’s alleged conduct enriched corrupt government officials and exploited the U.S. financial system to facilitate these crimes. Together with our partners, the Criminal Division remains committed to ensuring that the United States is not a safe haven for carrying out money laundering schemes or hiding criminal proceeds.”

    “This case represents the Southern District of Florida’s continued commitment to combating foreign corruption and holding those who subvert the integrity of the U.S. financial system responsible for their crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “Our office will continue to partner with the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) to identify, disrupt and prosecute those who launder money to facilitate corruption and carry out their nefarious schemes.”

    “This action by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), working against global illegal activities with our international and domestic partners, significantly upholds the rule of law,” said Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger of HSI. “This case demonstrates HSI’s global footprint and our commitment to curbing the flow of illicit funds while enforcing U.S. sanctions. It also serves as a stark reminder that crime and corruption will not be tolerated.”

    Gorrin is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, Gorrin faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Gorrin, who is a fugitive in a separately charged matter, remains at large.

    HSI Miami’s El Dorado Task Force is investigating the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and authorities in the United Kingdom, Spain, Switzerland, Portugal, and Malta provided assistance.

    Trial Attorney Paul A. Hayden of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nalina Sombuntham for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Paster for the Southern District of Florida is handling asset forfeiture.

    This effort is part of an OCDETF operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and Foreign Extortion Prevention Act matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/foreign-corrupt-practices-act.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Venezuelan Television News Network Owner Charged in Alleged $1.2B Money Laundering Scheme

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    A federal grand jury in the Southern District of Florida returned an indictment today charging a Venezuelan television news network owner for his role in a $1.2 billion scheme to launder funds corruptly obtained from Venezuela’s state-owned and state-controlled energy company, Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA), in exchange for hundreds of millions in bribe payments to Venezuelan officials.

    According to court documents, between 2014 and 2018, Raul Gorrin Belisario (Gorrin), 56, of Venezuela, conspired with others to launder the proceeds of an illegal bribery scheme using the U.S. financial system as well as various bank accounts located abroad. Gorrin and his co-conspirators paid millions of dollars in bribes to high-level Venezuelan officials to obtain foreign currency exchange loan contracts with PDVSA. Gorrin and his co-conspirators subsequently directed the laundering of the illicit proceeds, in part, in the Southern District of Florida, where they purchased real estate, yachts, and other luxury items. To conceal the movement of the bribe payments and illicit funds, Gorrin and his co-conspirators used a series of shell companies and offshore bank accounts.

    “According to the indictment, Gorrin and his co-conspirators paid millions of dollars in bribes to high-ranking foreign officials to secure over $1 billion in ill-gotten gains, which Gorrin and his co-conspirators used to purchase yachts and other luxury items in the United States,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Gorrin’s alleged conduct enriched corrupt government officials and exploited the U.S. financial system to facilitate these crimes. Together with our partners, the Criminal Division remains committed to ensuring that the United States is not a safe haven for carrying out money laundering schemes or hiding criminal proceeds.”

    “This case represents the Southern District of Florida’s continued commitment to combating foreign corruption and holding those who subvert the integrity of the U.S. financial system responsible for their crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “Our office will continue to partner with the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) to identify, disrupt and prosecute those who launder money to facilitate corruption and carry out their nefarious schemes.”

    “This action by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), working against global illegal activities with our international and domestic partners, significantly upholds the rule of law,” said Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger of HSI. “This case demonstrates HSI’s global footprint and our commitment to curbing the flow of illicit funds while enforcing U.S. sanctions. It also serves as a stark reminder that crime and corruption will not be tolerated.”

    Gorrin is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, Gorrin faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Gorrin, who is a fugitive in a separately charged matter, remains at large.

    HSI Miami’s El Dorado Task Force is investigating the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and authorities in the United Kingdom, Spain, Switzerland, Portugal, and Malta provided assistance.

    Trial Attorney Paul A. Hayden of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nalina Sombuntham for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Paster for the Southern District of Florida is handling asset forfeiture.

    This effort is part of an OCDETF operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and Foreign Extortion Prevention Act matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/foreign-corrupt-practices-act.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Frontex co-leads international maritime operation with major drug seizures

    Source: Frontex

    Frontex co-led a large-scale international operation targeting maritime drug smuggling. The action was run by Belgian Customs from 16 September to 15 October 2024 under the Cannabis, Cocaine, and Heroin EMPACT priority.  

    The operation focused on combating cocaine smuggling via sea from Latin America to European countries, monitoring and inspecting vessels to detect cocaine smuggled via methods like drop-off/handover at sea, underwater attachment, and rip-on at sea. 

    It involved 12 European countries, the USA, Europol, and MAOC (N). It led to impressive results: seizing 930 kg of cocaine and 4,950 kg of hashish, as well as 4 arrests. Of the 525 ships analysed, 73 were checked. 

    Frontex provided technical and operational support with the deployment of an underwater drone, vessel trackers, analysts and Cross Border Crime Detection Officers to assist with rummaging and control inspections. Aerial surveillance was conducted jointly by Belgium and Frontex with daily flights, contributing to the operation’s success.

    Participants 

    Spain, Portugal, France, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Poland, Europol, The Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre (Narcotics), the US and liaison officers in Latin America

    About EMPACT 

    The European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT) tackles the most important threats posed by organised and serious international crime affecting the EU. EMPACT strengthens intelligence, strategic and operational cooperation between national authorities, EU institutions and bodies, and international partners.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UKHSA priorities in 2024 to 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Letter from Health Minister Andrew Gwynne MP confirming the UK Health Security Agency’s role and priorities for the financial year 2024 to 2025.

    Documents

    Details

    This is a letter from Minister Andrew Gwynne MP to Professor Dame Jenny Harries confirming the UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA’s) priorities for 2024 to 2025.

    The letter provides an overview of UKHSA’s strategic remit, priorities, core capabilities and key deliverables for the financial year.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Germany: Results of the 2024 LSI stress test

    Source: Deutsche Bundesbank in English

    The profitability of Germany’s small and medium-sized banks and Sparkassen (less significant institutions, or LSIs) improved significantly in 2023. The institutions achieved stronger earnings during the period of higher interest rates; they have further expanded their capital resources and appear to be prepared even for serious adverse scenarios. These were among the findings of the sixth LSI stress test and accompanying survey, which were conducted this year by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) and the Deutsche Bundesbank.
    “The banks are on more solid ground. Most institutions have good capital ratios and are capable of handling the very demanding challenges posed in this year’s stress test,” said Raimund Röseler, BaFin’s Chief Executive Director of Banking Supervision, while presenting the stress test results in Frankfurt. The scenario assumed in this year’s test was far more challenging than in the last exercise two years ago. In total, the shock caused the Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio to decrease by 3.7 percentage points to 14.5 percent. The stress effect was mainly driven by credit and market risks.
    Under the scenario presented in the stress test, the number of institutions that experience difficulties lies in the medium double digits. These institutions would not meet the supervisory capital requirements in the case of a major economic downturn. The number of impacted institutions is twice as high as in the 2022 LSI stress test – mainly due to the tougher scenario specifications.
    “Institutions should continue to expand their capital resources and not erode their solid baseline unless absolutely necessary. The economic situation remains uncertain. We will closely monitor the outlier institutions. If necessary, we will take supervisory countermeasures at an early stage,” Röseler declared.
    Results of the survey on the current and future earnings and risk situation show that institutions are anticipating an increase in loss allowances. Banks and Sparkassen are still willing to take on additional risks on their books and increase their lending. However, their plans foresee a greater increase in CET1 capital than in risk-weighted assets, which leads to a moderate rise in the CET1 ratio and takes more than sufficient account of the additional risks they plan to assume.
    “Our analysis shows that the majority of banks and Sparkassen are less optimistic with regard to commercial real estate. Supervisors will continue to closely monitor this segment,” said Michael Theurer, the member of the Executive Board responsible for banking supervision at the Deutsche Bundesbank. The outlook is more positive for residential properties, but lower market values are expected for buildings in need of renovation to meet energy efficiency standards. The banks and Sparkassen consider the greatest challenges to be recruitment, increased competition for deposits and the slowdown in economic activity. “In particular, challenges arising from demographic change will have a longterm impact on the banking sector. Institutions need to begin adapting to this development early and take a forward-looking approach,” Theurer advised.
    1,200 small and medium-sized German credit institutions took part in the stress test conducted by the Deutsche Bundesbank and BaFin. The participating institutions represent approximately 91 percent of all credit institutions in Germany and approximately 40 percent of the aggregate total assets. The results of the stress test are incorporated into the supervisory activities of the Deutsche Bundesbank and BaFin.
    Annex
    Earnings
    BaFin and the Deutsche Bundesbank collected the institutions’ own planned and forecast figures in the survey. The institutions were also asked to simulate their earnings for the period from 2024 to 2028 in five interest rate scenarios predefined by the supervisors. The institutions performed these calculations assuming a static balance sheet, meaning they were not able to adjust their portfolios.

     

    Scenario
    Yield curve
    Balance sheet assumption

    1

    Planned scenario
    Institution-specific assumptions
    dynamic

    2

    Steady interest rate level
    +/-0 bp as at 01.01.2024
    static

    3

    Positive interest rate shock
    + 200 bp as at 01.01.2024
    static

    4

    Negative interest rate shock
    − 100 bp as at 01.01.2024
    static

    5

    Gradual interest rate increase
    + 40 bp annually as at 01.01.
    static

    6

    Inverse turn
    + 200 bp to − 60 bp as at 01.01.2024
    static
    Table 1: Methodological rules and interest rate scenarios in the survey (2024–2028); “bp” stands for “basis points”
    On the basis of their own planned and forecast figures, the surveyed credit institutions reported in the second quarter of 2024 that they expect their return on assets to increase by 45% over the next five years (2022: + 18%). Return on assets is defined as the profit for the year before tax in relation to total assets. However, this highly positive projection is based on the optimistic assumption that interest rates will remain steady or even slightly increase in the medium to long term.
    Resilience
    On average, the institutions surveyed expect to increase their CET1 ratio from a level of 18.2% to 19.4% by 2028. They plan to do so despite the larger increase in risk-weighted assets, which can be traced to an upturn in the volume of business and increased risk-taking.
    Stress test used for determining Pillar 2 guidance
    Stress testing examines the resilience of institutions under adverse economic conditions and estimates the consequences for their capital resources. To this end, the banks and Sparkassen simulated their earnings and resilience for the years 2024 to 2026 according to baseline and stress scenarios predefined by the supervisors. The stress scenario for this year’s test entails a dramatic economic downturn resulting in interest rate risks, credit risks and market risks, among others. Other components of the banks’ profit and loss accounts were extrapolated based on historical data, partially with discounts.
    The supervisory authorities aimed to determine whether the capital resources of the credit institutions were still adequate over a three-year period in a stress scenario. After a capital depletion of 3.7 percentage points (the largest decrease in the CET1 ratio over the three-year scenario horizon), the small and medium-sized institutions in Germany still had a CET1 ratio of 14.5% on aggregate, which represents a sound capital basis.
    The stress test identifies the vulnerabilities of each individual institution. The risks revealed in the stress test also factor into the calculation of Pillar 2 guidance. An institution’s failure to comply with this recommendation acts as an important early warning threshold for supervisors. Institutions that are particularly vulnerable can be subjected to even closer supervision at an early stage. This helps further strengthen the stability of the German banking market.

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI German News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Nolan Principles – keeping the public front of mind

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Reflecting on 30 years since the formation of the Committee on Standards in Public Life.

    To mark 30 years of the Committee’s work, Prof. Mark Philp, Chair of CSPL’s Research Advisory Board, blogs on the continuing importance of the Nolan Principles in setting out the understanding between those in public office and the public. This blog is based on a longer academic paper (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/30th-anniversary-of-the-nolan-principles).

    Marking 30 years since the creation of the Committee on Standards in Public Life.

    Request an accessible format.
    If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email accessible.formats@cabinetoffice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Viridien and SLB complete the data acquisition for a multi-client survey in Bonaparte Basin, offshore Australia

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Paris, France – October 24, 2024

    Viridien and SLB have recently completed the acquisition of a new multi-client survey in the Bonaparte Basin, off the NW coast of Australia, that has received industry support and prefunding. The resulting ~6,760 sq km ultramodern PSDM seismic data set will provide a thorough evaluation of this highly prospective and underexplored area to improve industry understanding. The data is currently being processed and the final data will be available in Q2 2025.

    The complex geological area has been historically challenging to image due to the presence of carbonates and the shallow water. The new survey will provide modern, high-quality data over an area lacking recent, or any 3D data. The data also partially covers a carbon storage block, recently awarded as permit G-13-AP. The survey deployed Sercel Sentinel MS multi-component streamers and the Sercel QuietSea marine mammal monitoring system.

    Dechun Lin, EVP, Earth Data, Viridien, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with SLB for the first time in Australia to successfully complete this large data acquisition project. The new high-quality data set will give interested players greater insight into the exploration and carbon storage potential of this promising area. We will continue to look for opportunities to invest in the country.”

    About Viridien:

    Viridien (www.viridiengroup.com) is an advanced technology, digital and Earth data company that pushes the boundaries of science for a more prosperous and sustainable future. With our ingenuity, drive and deep curiosity we discover new insights, innovations, and solutions that efficiently and responsibly resolve complex natural resource, digital, energy transition and infrastructure challenges. Viridien employs around 3,500 people worldwide and is listed as VIRI on the Euronext Paris SA (ISIN: FR001400PVN6).

    Contacts

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: TRAINERS’ HOUSE GROUP INTERIM REPORT 1 JANUARY – 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TRAINERS’ HOUSE GROUP, STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE, 24 OCTOBER 2024 at 8:30
              
    January-September 2024 in brief

    • net sales EUR 5.9 million (EUR 6.5 million), change of -9.7 % compared to the corresponding period of the previous year
    • operating result EUR 0.1 million (EUR 0.1 million), 1.1 % of net sales (1.0 %)
    • cash flow from operations EUR 0.1 million (EUR 0.1 million)
    • earnings per share EUR 0.03 (EUR 0.04)

    July-September 2024 in brief

    • net sales EUR 1.6 million (EUR 1.6 million), change of -1.2 % compared to the corresponding period of the previous year
    • operating result EUR -0.1 million (EUR -0.1 million), -9.4 % of net sales (-6.7 %)
    • cash flow from operations EUR -0.3 million (EUR -0.2 million)
    • earnings per share EUR -0.07 (EUR -0.05)

    Key figures at the end of third quarter of 2024

    • cash and cash equivalents EUR 1.1 million (EUR 1.5 million)
    • interest-bearing liabilities of EUR 0.7 million (EUR 0.3 million) and interest-bearing net debt of EUR -0.4 million (EUR -1.3 million).
    • equity ratio 65.2 % (65.3 %)

    OUTLOOK FOR 2024

    The company estimates the operating profit for 2024 to be negative.

    CEO ARTO HEIMONEN

    Despite the challenging market conditions, the company’s year-to-date result is slightly profitable at the end of the third quarter.

    Due to the holiday season, the third quarter of Trainers’ House is actually two months long from the point of view of revenue accumulation.

    Customer activity and customer satisfaction remained at a high level. Acquiring new assignments succeeded moderately. The productivity of encounter marketing business increased.

    Healthy cash flow and profitability are the company’s most important business goals in 2024 as well.

    The purpose of Trainers’ House is to help people forward. This is possible by touching people, electrifying management and producing verifiable results.

    Thanks to customers, employees, and partners.

    More information:
    Arto Heimonen, CEO, +358 404 123 456
    Saku Keskitalo, CFO, +358 404 111 111

    OPERATIONAL REVIEW

    During the review period, the company focused on serving its customers.

    FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

    Net sales for the reporting period were EUR 5.9 million (EUR 6.5 million). Operating result was EUR 0.1 million, 1.1 % of net sales (EUR 0.1 million, 1.0 %). The result for the period was EUR 0.1 million, 1.1 % of net sales (EUR 0.1 million, 1.2 %).

    The breakdown of the Group’s figures (unit thousand euros) is presented in the following table:

    Group’s main figures (kEUR) 1-9/2024 1-9/2023
    Net sales 5 907 6 541
    Expenses:    
    Expenses arising from employee benefits -3 947 -4 339
    Other expenses -1 635 -1 729
    EBITDA 325 473
    Depreciation and impairment losses -259 -405
    EBIT 66 68
    EBIT, % of net sales 1.1 1.0
    Financial income and expenses -15 8
    Result before taxes 51 76
    Income taxes 14 4
    Result of the period 65 80
    Result, % of net sales 1.1 1.2

    LONG-TERM OBJECTIVES

    The company’s long-term goal is profitable growth.

    FINANCING, INVESTMENTS AND SOLVENCY

    Cash flow and key financing figures (unit million euros) 1-9/2024 1-9/2023
    Cash flow from operations before financial items 0.2 0.1
    Cash flow from operations 0.1 0.1
    Cash flow from investments 0.0 0.1
    Cash flow from financing -0.2 -0.9
    Total cash flow -0.1 -0.7
         
      9/2024 9/2023
    Cash 1.1 1.5
    Interest-bearing debt 0.7 0.3
    Equity ratio % 65.2 65.3

    MAJOR RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

    Trainers’ House’s business is sensitive to economic fluctuations.

    The general economic situation internationally and in Finland contains significant risks. The war in Europe and Middle East, the tense world political situation and the possible expansion of the crisis can cause rapid changes in the operating environment.

    Possible world trade restrictions and changes in the world political situation affect the exports of Finnish companies, which is reflected in the demand of the domestic market. The demand in domestic market will also diminish due to public cost-cuttings and tax increases. The change in domestic market demand directly affects Trainers’ House’s business.

    Compared to the level of the last decade, the high interest rate has a negative effect on economic activity. Inflation can also accelerate due to, for example, escalation of world political crises.

    The constant competition for the best employees affects recruitment and the commitment of key personnel. From the company’s point of view, the labor market situation has eased over the past year.

    The above-mentioned risks, when realized alone or together, have a significant impact on the company’s operations.

    The company divides the risk factors affecting business, earnings, and market capitalization into five main categories: market and business risks, personnel-related risks, technology and information security risks, financial risks, and legal risks.

    Trainers’ House has sought to hedge against the adverse effects of other risks with comprehensive insurance policies. These include statutory insurance, liability and property insurance and legal expenses insurance. Insurance coverage, insurance values and deductibles are reviewed annually together with the insurance company.

    The Management Team reports to the Board on a monthly basis on key business-related risks and, where necessary, risk management measures.

    The Group has the reporting systems required for effective business monitoring. Internal control is linked to the company’s vision, strategic goals and the business goals set on the basis of them.

    The realization of business objectives and the Group’s financial development are monitored on a monthly basis through the Group’s corporate governance system. As an essential part of the control system, actual data and up-to-date forecasts are reviewed monthly by the Group Management Team. The control system includes, among other things, sales reporting, an income statement, a rolling revenue and profit forecast, and key figures that are important to operations.

    Trainers’ House is an expert organization. The magnitude of market and business risks is difficult to determine. Typical risks in this area are related to, for example, general economic development, customer distribution, technology choices, the development of competition and the management of personnel costs.

    Risks are managed through the planning and regular monitoring of sales, human resources, and operating expenses, which enables rapid action when circumstances change. The risks of trade receivables have been taken into account by the recognition of expenses based on the age of the receivables and individual risk analyzes.

    The goal of Trainers’ House’s financial risk management is to secure the availability of equity and debt financing on competitive terms and to reduce the impact of adverse market movements on the company’s operations.

    Financial risks are divided into four categories, which are liquidity, interest rate risks, currency risks and credit risks. Each risk is monitored separately. Liquidity and interest rate risks are reduced with sufficient cash resources and efficient collection of receivables. Currency risks are low as Trainers’ House operates primarily in the euro market. In financial risk management, the focus is on liquidity.

    The success of Trainers’ House as an expert organization depends on its ability to attract and retain skilled staff. In addition to a competitive salary, personnel risks are managed through incentive schemes and investments in personnel training, career opportunities and general well-being.

    Technology is a key part of Trainers’ House’s business. Technology risks include, but are not limited to, supplier risk, risks related to internal systems, challenges posed by technological change, and security risks. Risks are protected against long-term cooperation with technology suppliers, appropriate security systems, staff training and regular security audits.

    Trainers’ House’s legal risks are mainly focused on the contractual relationship between the company and customers or service providers. At their most typical, they relate to delivery responsibility and the management of intellectual property rights. In order to manage the risks related to contracts and intellectual property rights, the company has internal guidelines for contractual procedures. In the company’s view, the contractual risks are not unusual.

    At the end of the review period, goodwill and other intangible assets recognized in the balance sheet have been tested in the normal way. The test did not reveal any need for impairment.

    The consolidated balance sheet of Trainers’ House has goodwill of EUR 2.1 million. The balance sheet value of other intangible assets is EUR 1.0 million. If the Group’s profitability does not develop as forecasted or other external factors independent of the Group’s operations, such as interest rates, change significantly, it is possible that goodwill and other intangible assets will have to be written off. Recognition of an impairment loss would have no effect on the Group’s cash flow.

    Due to the project nature of the operations, the order backlog is short, and predictability is therefore challenging.

    The description of potential risks is not comprehensive. Trainers’ House conducts continuous risk assessment in connection with its operations and strives to hedge against identified risks.

    Investors have also been informed about the risks in the company’s annual review and on the website at www.trainershouse.fi.

    PERSONNEL

    At the end of the review period, the Group had 107 (111) employees. As before, the company reports the number of employees converted to full-time employees.

    DECISIONS REACHED AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

    The annual general meeting of Trainers’ House Plc was held on 27 March 2024 in Helsinki.

    The annual general meeting confirmed the financial statements and discharged CEO and the members of the Board of Directors from liability for the fiscal year 1 January – 31 December 2023. The annual general meeting also decided to adopt the remuneration policy of the governing bodies.

    The annual general meeting decided, in accordance with the board’s proposal, that the company does not distribute a dividend from 2023.

    Aarne Aktan, Jari Sarasvuo, Jarmo Hyökyvaara, Elma Palsila and Emilia Tauriainen were re-elected as members of the Board of Directors. In the board meeting held after the annual general meeting, the Board of Directors elected Jari Sarasvuo as the chairperson of the board.

    The annual general meeting decided that the board member’s remuneration shall be EUR 1,500 per month and the chairperson’s remuneration will be EUR 3,500 per month.

    Grant Thornton Oy was elected as the company’s auditor. The remuneration to the auditor is paid according to the auditor’s reasonable invoice.

    SHARES AND SHARE CAPITAL

    The company’s share is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd under the name Trainers’ House Plc (TRH1V).

    At the end of the reporting period, Trainers’ House Plc had 2,147,826 shares and a registered share capital of EUR 880,743.59. The company does not hold any of its own shares. There have been no changes in the share capital during the period.

    Share performance and trading

      1-9/2024 1-9/2023
    Traded shares, pcs 203 608 213 827
    Average number of all company shares, % 9.5 10.0
    Traded shares, EUR 576 890 1 013 869
    Highest share quotation 4.88 6.12
    Lowest share quotation 2.07 3.38
    Closing price 2.27 3.73
    Weighted average price 2.83 4.74
    Market capitalization 4.9 mil. 8.0 mil.

    SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES

    The report has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 standard. The report has been prepared in accordance with IFRS standards and interpretations that have been approved for application in the EU and are in force on 1 January 2024.

    In this interim report Trainers’ House has followed the same accounting policies and calculation methods as in the 2023 annual financial statements.

    The figures given in the interim report are unaudited.

    INCOME STATEMENT IFRS (kEUR) 1-9/2024 1-9/2023 1-12/2023
    NET SALES 5 907 6 541 8 437
    Expenses:      
    Materials and services -286 -308 -391
    Personnel-related expenses -3 947 -4 339 -5 691
    Depreciation and impairment losses -259 -405 -531
    Other operating expenses -1 348 -1 420 -1 925
    Total expenses -5 841 -6 473 -8 538
    Operating result 66 68 -101
    Financial income and expenses -15 8 6
    Result before taxes 51 76 -95
    Income taxes 14 4 4
    RESULT OF THE PERIOD 65 80 -91
    Result attributable to owners of the parent company 65 80 -91
    Earnings per share, EUR 0.03 0.04 -0.04
    Earnings per share attributable to owners of the parent company, EUR 0.03 0.04 -0.04
    BALANCE SHEET IFRS (kEUR) 9/2024 9/2023 12/2023
    ASSETS      
    Non-current assets      
    Tangible assets 704 430 961
    Goodwill 2 129 2 129 2 129
    Other intangible assets 1 013 1 025 1 013
    Long-term receivables      
    Other receivables, long-term 105 138 138
    Deferred tax receivables 218 204 202
    Total long-term receivables 324 342 341
    Total non-current assets 4 170 3 926 4 443
           
    Current assets      
    Account receivables and other receivables 1 002 942 783
    Cash and cash equivalents 1 120 1 533 1 175
    Total current assets 2 122 2 475 1 958
    TOTAL ASSETS 6 292 6 400 6 401
           
    SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 9/2024 9/2023 12/2023
    Equity attributable to the owners of the parent company      
    Share capital 881 881 881
    Distributable non-restricted equity fund 37 37 37
    Retained earnings 3 021 3 111 3 111
    Result of the period 65 80 -91
    Total shareholders’ equity 4 004 4 109 3 939
    Long-term liabilities      
    Deferred tax liabilities 203 205 203
    Long-term financial liabilities 420 58 631
    Total long-term liabilities 622 263 833
    Short-term liabilities      
    Short-term financial liabilities 280 216 197
    Accounts payable and other liabilities 1 386 1 812 1 432
    Total short-term liabilities 1 666 2 028 1 629
    Total liabilities 2 288 2 291 2 462
    TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 6 292 6 400 6 401
    CASH FLOW STATEMENT IFRS (kEUR) 1-9/2024 1-9/2023 1-12/2023
    CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS      
    Result of the period 65 80 -91
    Adjustments 263 435 570
    Changes in working capital -169 -398 -257
    Cash flow from operations before financial items and taxes 158 117 222
    Financial items and taxes paid -22 -13 -16
    CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS 137 104 206
    CASH FLOW FROM INVESTMENTS      
    Investments in tangible and intangible assets -3 -12 -12
    Repayment of loan receivables 17 42 42
    Interests received 5 21 21
    CASH FLOW FROM INVESTMENTS 18 51 51
    CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING      
    Repayment of lease liabilities -128 -272 -363
    Dividends paid -82 -597 -966
    CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING -210 -869 -1 329
    TOTAL CASH FLOW -55 -714 -1 072
    CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS      
    Opening balance of cash and cash equivalents 1 175 2 247 2 247
    Closing balance of cash and cash equivalents 1 120 1 533 1 175
    CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS -55 -714 -1 072

    CHANGE IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (kEUR)
    Equity attributable to owners of the parent company

    CHANGE IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (kEUR) Share capital Distributable non-restricted equity fund Retained earnings Total
    Equity 1 January 2023 881 37 4 121 5 039
    Other comprehensive income     80 80
    Dividends     -1 009 -1 009
    Equity 30 September 2023 881 37 3 191 4 109
             
    Equity 1 January 2024 881 37 3 021 3 939
    Other comprehensive income     65 65
    Dividends     0 0
    Equity 30 September 2024 881 37 3 086 4 004

    RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

    During the period under review, Trainers’ House had transactions with Causa Prima Ltd, a company controlled by Jari Sarasvuo, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, and Pro Vividus Ltd and Anorin Liekki Ltd, which are related to the company.

    The following transactions took place with related parties:

    RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (kEUR) 1-9/2024 1-9/2023 1-12/2023
    Purchases during the period 272 131 168
    Liabilities at the end of the period 95 31 39
    PERSONNEL 1-9/2024 1-9/2023 1-12/2023
    Average number of personnel 108 115 113
    Personnel at the end of the period 107 111 96
    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES 9/2024 9/2023 12/2023
    Collaterals and contingent liabilities given for own commitments(kEUR) 120 120 120
    OTHER KEY FIGURES 9/2024 9/2023 12/2023
    Equity ratio (%) 65.2 65.3 63.5
    Shareholders’ equity/share (EUR) 1.86 1.91 1.83

    Calculation formulas for key figures

    Earnings per share        = Result of the period attributable to owners of the parent company
                                          Average number of shares adjusted for share issue in financial period

    Interest-bearing net debt = Interest-bearing liabilities – cash and cash equivalents

    Equity ratio (%)          = Equity x 100
                                        Balance sheet total – advances received

    Equity / share            = Equity                                              
                                        Number of shares adjusted for share issue at the
                                        end of financial period

    Items affecting the calculation of key figures 9/2024 9/2023 12/2023
    Advances received (kEUR) 154 107 198
    Interest-bearing liabilities (kEUR) 700 274 828
    Average number of shares adjusted for share issue in financial period (unit thousand shares) 2 148 2 148 2 148
    Number of shares adjusted for share issue at the end of the financial period (unit thousand shares) 2 148 2 148 2 148

    In Helsinki 24 October 2024

    TRAINERS’ HOUSE PLC

    BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    Information:
    Arto Heimonen, CEO, +358 404 123 456
    Saku Keskitalo, CFO, +358 404 111 111

    DISTRIBUTION
    Nasdaq Helsinki
    Main media
    www.trainershouse.fi – For investors

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Planning Inspectorate Performance update – October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Performance and other updates following the publication of our latest official monthly statistics.

    On a regular basis, we publish the latest official statistics on appeals performance), which represent the greatest volume (in terms of number of cases) of the work of the Planning Inspectorate. 

    We also update the appeals handling times data to give customers the latest information on the average time it takes to receive a decision and provide an update on our other main casework areas. 

    Appeals 

    Our appeal cases are dealt with in one of three ways: written representations, hearings, or inquiries. Ministerial performance measures include an expectation to reduce average decision times over time and make our decision speeds more consistent. All our decision times are measured from the day we receive a valid appeal through to the day we issue a decision. This is the same approach as Local Planning Authorities. 

    We have made 18,176 appeal decisions in the last 12 months, an average of 1,515 per month. We now have 13,214 open cases. 

    We remain committed to removing our casework backlog so that all our casework is decided in consistent timeframes, whilst maintaining high standards in our decisions. We are currently focusing on reducing the number of older planning appeals by written representations appeals and enforcement appeals by hearing. 

    Following a consultation the frequency of the publication of these statistics will move from monthly to quarterly. We believe quarterly publications provide a better indicator of performance, less affected by temporary fluctuations than monthly releases. The next quarterly update will be on January 23, 2025. 

    Median decision times 

    The median decision time for cases decided in September was 27 weeks. The average over the past 12 months was 28 weeks. 

    Median decision times vary a little month to month, but decisions after hearings and inquiries continue to be made quicker, on average, compared to a year ago. This is most noticeable in relation to enforcement appeals by inquiry, where decisions are taking less than half the time, on average.

    12 months to September 2024 median decision time September 2024 median decision time
    Planning appeals by written representations 27 weeks 26 weeks
    Planning appeals by hearing 24 weeks 22 weeks
    Planning appeals by inquiry 30 weeks 33 weeks
    Enforcement appeals by written representations 51 weeks 40 weeks
    Enforcement appeals by hearing 63 weeks 102 weeks
    Enforcement appeals by inquiry 54 weeks 22 weeks
    All appeals 28 weeks 27 weeks

    National Infrastructure 

    We have a high number of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs)  at various stages, but we continue to meet all statutory deadlines: 

    •  62 where we are providing advice before submission. 
    •  18 submitted and at acceptance, pre-examination, or examination. 
    •  4 where we are preparing our recommendation. 
    •  9 where the relevant Secretary of State is considering our recommendation. 

    Earlier this month development consent was granted by the Secretary of State for Transport for the Immingham Eastern Ro-Ro Terminal

    Local Plans 

    There are currently 45 live Local Plan examinations in progress. 

    We encourage Local Planning Authorities (LPA) to use our advisory visits to help them get their plans in good shape and deal with challenges well before submission.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Atos reports third quarter 2024 revenue

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    Third quarter 2024 revenue in line with September 2ndBusiness Plan

    Cash position in line with September 2ndbusiness plan & FY2024 outlook

    Q3 2024 revenue of €2,305m, down -4.4% organically, consistent with September 2ndbusiness plan communicated on September 2nd, 2024

    • Eviden down -6.4% organically due to continued market softness in the Americas and Central Europe and previously-established contract scope reductions
    • Tech Foundations down -2.6% organically, reflecting lower scope of work and previously-established contract completions and terminations
    • Q4 and FY2024 outlook in line with September 2nd business plan1

    Q3 order entry of €1.5bn, with stronger commercial activity and improved order entry expected in Q4

    • Eviden book-to-bill at 73%, compared with 80% in prior year. Solid commercial activity in BDS with several High-Performance Computing contracts signed. Eviden Q4 book-to-bill expected to be close to Q4 20232
    • Tech Foundations book-to-bill at 60%, consistent with previous years3. Q4 book-to-bill expected to be close to historical average4 thanks to anticipated return of multi-year contracts with existing customers
    • Group Q3 book-to-bill at 66% (84% in prior year), in line with Q3 2023 book-to-bill excluding large exceptional deals5. Group Q4 2024 book-to-bill expected in line with prior year6

    Cash position of €1.1bn as at September 30, 2024

    • Net debt position of €4.6bn, including a €1.6bn reduction of working capital optimization compared with December 2023
    • Q3 cash consumption of €-3m excluding change in working capital optimization for €232m
    • Full year free cash flow before normalization of working capital optimization expected in line with September 2nd business plan

    Atos focused on its industrial turnaround and growth:

    • Decision from the Court on pre-arranged financial restructuring plan expected today
    • Financial restructuring plan expected to close in December 2024 or early January 2025
    • New governance in place with Philippe Salle named chairman and becoming CEO on February 1st.

    Paris, France – October 24, 2024 – Atos, a global leader in digital transformation, high-performance computing and information technology infrastructure, today announces its revenue for the third quarter of 2024.

    Jean Pierre Mustier, Atos Chief Executive Officer, declared:

    “With our financial restructuring plan and our new governance in place, Atos can confidently focus on its industrial turnaround and growth under the leadership of Philippe Salle. He is the best person to lead our transformation journey and restore confidence in Atos.

    I have seen a positive change of perception with our clients, who have taken note of our restructuring, and are looking to resume a normalized interaction with us. I expect stronger commercial activity in the coming months, with the anticipated return of multi-year strategic contracts with existing customers.

    I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our employees for their ongoing commitment, and our customers and partners for their continued support.”

    Revenue by Businesses

    In € million Q3 2024
    Revenue
    Q3 2023
    revenue
    Q3 2023
    revenue*
    Organic variation*
    Eviden 1,093 1,202 1,167 -6.4%
    Tech Foundations 1,212 1,373 1,244 -2.6%
    Total 2,305 2,575 2,412 -4.4%
    *at constant scope and average exchange rates    

    Group revenue was €2,305 million in Q3 2024, down -4.4% organically compared with Q3 2023 as expected. Overall, Group revenue in the third quarter reflects softer market conditions and is consistent with the business plan communicated on Sept 2nd.

    Eviden revenue was €1,093 million, down -6.4% organically.

    • Digital activities decreased high single-digit. The business was impacted by the general market slowdown in Americas and Central Europe and previously-established contract scope reductions.
    • Big Data & Security (BDS) revenue was roughly stable organically. In Advanced Computing, stronger activity in Denmark and France was offset by a high comparison basis in the prior year. Revenue in Digital Security slightly decreased, despite the growth of Mission Critical Systems, notably in Central Europe.

    Tech Foundations revenue was €1,212 million, down -2.6% organically.

    • Core revenue (excluding BPO and value-added resale (“VAR”)) decreased low single-digit. Stronger contributions related to the Paris Olympic & Paralympic games were offset by contract terminations in Americas and previously-established contract scope and volume reduction in Northern Europe & APAC.
    • Non-core revenue declined high single-digit during the quarter as expected, reflecting contract completion in BPO activities in the UK.

    Revenue by Regional Business Unit

    In € million Q3 2024
    Revenue
    Q3 2023
    revenue
    Q3 2023
    revenue*
    Organic variation*
    Americas 500 606 558 -10.5%
    Northern Europe & APAC 707 769 757 -6.6%
    Central Europe 544 627 546 -0.4%
    Southern Europe 477 501 480 -0.7%
    Others & Global Structures 76 73 69 +10.1%
    Total 2,305 2,575 2,412 -4.4%
    *at constant scope and average exchange rates    

    Americas revenue decreased by -10.5% on an organic basis, reflecting the current general slowdown in market conditions and previously-established contract terminations and completions.

    • Eviden was down double-digit, impacted by contract terminations and volume decline in Healthcare, Finance, and Transport & Logistics. BDS declined high single-digit due to volume reductions.
    • Tech Foundations revenue declined mid single-digit due to contract completions and terminations as well as scope reductions with select customers.

    Northern Europe & Asia-Pacific revenue decreased by -6.6% on an organic basis.

    • Eviden revenue declined mid-single-digit. A revenue increase at BDS due to new business in Advanced Computing with an innovation center in Denmark was offset by the decline of Digital revenue, reflecting a lower demand from Public Sector customers in the UK.
    • Revenue in Tech Foundations was down high single-digit, with contract completions and volume decline in Public Sector BPO.

    Central Europe revenue was nearly stable at -0.4% on an organic basis.

    • Eviden revenue declined low single-digit, impacted by volume reductions in Digital from Manufacturing and Public Sector customers.
    • Tech Foundations revenue grew mid-single-digit, with strong demand for hardware products.

    Southern Europe revenue was down -0.7% organically.

    • Eviden revenue was roughly flat. Growth in Digital, which benefitting from a contract win with a major European utility company, was offset by lower revenue in BDS compared to Q3 2023, when a supercomputer project was delivered in Spain.
    • Tech Foundations revenue declined low single-digit due to volume reductions with select customers.

    Revenue in Others and Global Structures, which encompass Middle East, Africa, Major Events as well as the Group’s global delivery centers and global structures, grew double-digit reflecting stronger contributions from the Paris Olympic & Paralympic Games and the positive performance of Africa.

    Commercial activity

    Order entry for the Group was €1,526 million. Eviden order entry was €794 million and Tech Foundations order entry was €733 million.

    Book-to-bill ratio for the Group was 66% in Q3 2024, down from 84% in Q3 2023, reflecting softer market conditions and delays in contract awards as clients await the final resolution of the Group’s refinancing plan. This ratio is in line with the book-to-bill ratio for Q3 2023, excluding exceptionally large contract7.

    Book-to-bill ratio at Eviden was 73%. Main contracts signatures during the third quarter included the supply of an HPC to a leading player in the Aerospace sector, another HPC contract signed with a major French utility provider, together with control room utility solutions.

    Book-to-bill ratio at Tech Foundations was 60%, consistent with the seasonality observed in previous years, in particular in Q3 2021 (54%) and in Q3 2022 (58%). Main contracts signatures in the third quarter included several renewals to provide Hybrid Cloud & Infrastructure services in Financial Services, Public Sector, and Manufacturing industries.

    Stronger commercial activity is expected in the coming months in both Eviden and Tech Foundation, which would lead to a significant improvement of the Group book-to-bill ratio in the fourth quarter, as confidence in the Group’s financial sustainability has been restored.

    At the end of September 2024, the full backlog was €14.7 billion representing 1.4 years of revenue. The full qualified pipeline amounted to €5.7 billion at the end of September 2024.

    Human resources

    The total headcount was 82,211 at the end of September 2024, decreasing by -10.3% since the end of June 2024. Following contract completions in Americas and the UK, the Group transferred circa 4,900 employees to the new providers. Excluding these transfers, headcount has decreased by circa -5%.

    During the third quarter, the Group hired 1,839 staff (of which 91% were Direct employees), while attrition rate increased compared with Q2. The attrition rate over the past 9 months is in line with normal historical levels.

    Q3 cash position

    As of September 30, 2024, cash & cash equivalents was €1.1 billion, down €1.2 billion compared with December 31, 2023 primarily reflecting €1.6 billion lower working capital actions compared with the end of fiscal 2023 and €1.1 billion of new borrowings.

    As of September 30, 2024, net debt was €4.6 billion compared with €2.2 billion at the end of last year, reflecting primarily the reduction of working capital optimization down to €265 million.

    Cash consumption was €-3 million in the third quarter, excluding change in working capital optimization of €232 million.

    Full year 2024 outlook

    The Group expects for the full year 2024:

    • Mid-single-digit organic revenue decrease, corresponding to revenue of circa €9.7 billion
    • Operating margin of circa €238 million excluding additional provisions to be booked for some underperforming contracts8
    • Change in cash before debt repayment of circa €-783 million excluding the full unwind of the working capital optimization of circa €1.8 billion as of December 31, 2023.

    Financial restructuring process

    Atos expected to receive today the decision from the Court on its pre-arranged financial restructuring plan.

    Assuming the plan is accepted by the court, the next steps of the financial restructuring process would be as follows:

    November 12 – 22:
    • €233 million rights issue with preferred subscription rights
    Mid to end December:
    • Execution of concomitant reserved capital increases
    End of December 2024 or early 2025
    • Receipt of €1.5bn to €1.7bn of new money debt
    • Closing of the restructuring process

    Asset disposal processes

    The discussions with Alten regarding the sale of the Worldgrid business are progressing well and are on track.

    Following the communication issued on October 7, discussions related to the potential acquisition by the French state of the Advanced Computing, Mission-Critical Systems and Cybersecurity Products businesses of BDS are continuing based on a new proposal compatible with the financial restructuring plan of the Company.

    Governance

    As communicated on October 15, 2024, Philippe Salle has been appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company with immediate effect and as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer with effect from February 1, 2025.

    Conference call

    Atos’ Management invites you to a conference call on the Group revenue for the third quarter of 2024, on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 08:00 am (CET – Paris).

    You can join the webcast of the conference:

    • via the following link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/bkriazto
    • by telephone by dial-in, 10 minutes prior the starting time. Please note that if you want to join the webcast by telephone, you must register in advance of the conference using the following link:

    https://register.vevent.com/register/BI8dc47a058ab84cb88b1ba638c295b440

    Upon registration, you will be provided with Participant Dial In Numbers, a Direct Event Passcode and a unique Registrant ID. Call reminders will also be sent via email the day prior to the event.
    During the 10 minutes prior to the beginning of the call, you will need to use the conference access information provided in the email received upon registration.

    After the conference, a replay of the webcast will be available on atos.net, in the Investors section.

    APPENDIX

    9-month organic revenue evolution by RBUs and business lines

    In € million 9-month 2024
    Revenue
    9 month 2023
    revenue*
      Organic variation*
    Americas 1,608 1,748   -8.0%
    Northern Europe & APAC 2,249 2,320   -3.0%
    Central Europe 1,621 1,673   -3.1%
    Southern Europe 1,561 1,564   -0.2%
    Others & Global Structures 230 211   +9.1%
    Total 7,268 7,516   -3.3%
    *at constant scope and average exchange rates        
             
             
             
       
    In € million 9-month 2024
    Revenue
    9-month2023
    revenue*
      Organic variation*
    Eviden 3,478 3,658   -4.9%
    Tech Foundations 3,790 3,858   -1.8%
    Total 7,268 7,516   -3.3%
    *at constant scope and average exchange rates        

    Q3 2023 Revenue at constant scope and exchange rates reconciliation

    For the analysis of the Group’s performance, revenue is compared with Q3 2023 revenue at constant scope and foreign exchange rates. Reconciliation between the Q3 2023 reported revenue and the Q3 2023 revenue at constant scope and foreign exchange rates is presented below.

    In 2023, the Group reviewed the accounting treatment of certain third-party standard software resale transactions following the decision published by ESMA in October 2023 that illustrated the IFRS IC decision and enacted a restrictive position on the assessment of Principal vs. Agent under IFRS 15 for such transactions. The Q3 2023 revenue is therefore restated by €-15 million. The restatement impacted Eviden in the Americas RBU without impacting the operating margin.

    Q3 2023 revenue
    In € million
    Q3 2023 published Restatement Q3 2023 restated Internal transfers Scope effects Exchange rates effects Q3 2023*
    Eviden 1,217 -15 1,202 -3 -31 -1 1,167
    Tech Foundations 1,373 0 1,373 3 -122 -9 1,244
    Total 2,590 -15 2,575 0 -154 -10 2,412
                   
                   
    Q3 2023 revenue
    In € million
    Q3 2023 published Restatement Q3 2023 restated Internal transfers Scope effects Exchange rates effects Q3 2023*
    Americas 621 -15 606 0 -34 -13 558
    Norther Europe & APAC 769 0 769 0 -18 7 757
    Central Europe 627 0 627 0 -81 0 546
    Southern Europe 501 0 501 0 -21 0 480
    Others & Global structures 73 0 73 0 0 -3 69
    Total 2,590 -15 2,575 0 -154 -10 2,412

    *: At constant scope and foreign exchange rates

    Scope effects on revenue amounted to €-154 million. They mainly related to the divesture of UCC across all regions, EcoAct in Americas, Southern Europe and Northern Europe & Asia-Pacific, State Street JV in Americas and Elexo in Southern Europe.

    Currency effects negatively contributed to revenue for €-10 million. They mostly came from the depreciation of the American dollar, Argentinian peso, Brazilian real, and Turkish lira, not offset by the appreciation of the British pound.

    ***

    Disclaimer

    This document contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including references, concerning the Group’s expected growth and profitability in the future which may significantly impact the expected performance indicated in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are linked to factors out of the control of the Company and not precisely estimated, such as market conditions or competitors’ behaviors. Any forward-looking statements made in this document are statements about Atos’s beliefs and expectations and should be evaluated as such. Forward-looking statements include statements that may relate to Atos’s plans, objectives, strategies, goals, future events, future revenues or synergies, or performance, and other information that is not historical information. Actual events or results may differ from those described in this document due to a number of risks and uncertainties that are described within the 2023 Universal Registration Document filed with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) on May 24, 2024 under the registration number D.24-0429 and the half-year report filed with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) on August 6, 2024. Atos does not undertake, and specifically disclaims, any obligation or responsibility to update or amend any of the information above except as otherwise required by law.
    This document does not contain or constitute an offer of Atos’s shares for sale or an invitation or inducement to invest in Atos’s shares in France, the United States of America or any other jurisdiction. This document includes information on specific transactions that shall be considered as projects only. In particular, any decision relating to the information or projects mentioned in this document and their terms and conditions will only be made after the ongoing in-depth analysis considering tax, legal, operational, finance, HR and all other relevant aspects have been completed and will be subject to general market conditions and other customary conditions, including governance bodies and shareholders’ approval as well as appropriate processes with the relevant employee representative bodies in accordance with applicable laws .

    About Atos

    Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with circa 82,000 employees and annual revenue of circa €10 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 69 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

    The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

    Contacts

    Investor relations:
    David Pierre-Kahn | investors@atos.net | +33 6 28 51 45 96
    Sofiane El Amri      | investors@atos.net | +33 6 29 34 85 67

    Individual shareholders: 0805 65 00 75

    Press contact: globalprteam@atos.net


    1 Eviden Q4 organic revenue evolution expected slightly negative and Tech Foundations Q4 revenue expected to decrease double digit on previously established contract completions and terminations
    2 Q4 2023 Eviden book-to-bill of 100%
    3 2021 (54%), 2022 (58%) and 2023 (84% including one large exceptional deal)
    4 Q4 2021-2023 book-to-bill average of 98%
    5 Q3 2023 book-to-bill of 65% excluding one large exceptional deal in Eviden and another one in Tech Foundations
    6 108%
    7 Book-to-bill ratio of 65% in Q3 2023, excluding an exceptionally large contract at Eviden and another at Tech Foundations.
    8 Negotiations are in progress with customers, which could lead to a low double digit % reduction of the operating margin

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  • MIL-OSI: Decisive new step in the completion of the financial restructuring: Atos’ accelerated safeguard plan approved by the specialized Commercial Court of Nanterre

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Paris, France – October 24, 2024 – Atos SE (“Atos” or the “Company”) announces today that, by judgment dated October 24, 2024, the specialized Commercial Court of Nanterre (the “Court”), after having acknowledged, pursuant to the provisions of article L. 626-31 of the French Code de commerce, that all legal conditions had been satisfied, has approved the accelerated safeguard plan of Atos (the “Plan”), presented at the hearing of October 15, 2024.

    Philippe Salle, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Atos, said: “The approval of Atos’ accelerated safeguard plan by the Nanterre Specialized Commercial Court is a decisive step in our financial restructuring process and I would like to thank the entire management team for the remarkable work they have accomplished over the last few months. This important step guarantees the continuity of Atos’ activities in the best interests of our employees and customers, and allows us to project the Group confidently towards a new page in its history.”

    Jean Pierre Mustier, Chief Executive Officer of Atos, said: “Our Group has reached a decisive step, providing sufficient financial resources to successfully complete a new period of industrial development under the leadership of Philippe Salle, with a strong focus of all our teams to provide the best possible service to our customers through innovation and quality of service.”

    The Court has appointed, as practitioner in charge of supervising the implementation of the Plan (commissaire à l’exécution du plan), SELARL AJRS, represented by Maître Thibaut Martinat, for the duration of the Plan.

    In the absence of a suspensory appeal against the judgment approving the Plan, it is envisaged that all the financial restructuring transactions provided for in the Plan will be executed between November 2024 and December 2024/January 20251, subject in particular to the approval by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) of the prospectuses relating to the various securities issues provided for in the Plan.

    As a reminder, the transactions provided under the Plan should lead to, in particular:

    • the equitization of €2.9 billion of financial debt; and
    • the provision to Atos of €1.5 to €1.675 billion of new money debt and the new money equity resulting from the rights issue (up to €233 million) already backstopped in cash by participating bondholders for €75 million and by the creditors participating in the new financings by set off against a portion of their debts for €100 million, as previously communicated and, as the case may be, from the potential voluntary additional subscription in cash by the participating creditors of up to €75 million as part of the Potential Capital Increase as provided in the Plan.

    The main characteristics of the share capital transactions to be implemented as part of the Plan are described in the document entitled “Main terms and conditions of the share capital transactions carried out as part of the Company’s financial restructuring plan” (Principales modalités des opérations sur le capital mises en œuvre dans le cadre du plan de restructuration financière de la Société) published on the Company’s website (section “Financial Restructuring”) on September 6, 2024 and updated on September 16, 2024. These share capital transactions will be covered by prospectuses submitted to the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) for approval.

    The Company will continue to inform the market in due course of the next steps of its financial restructuring.

    ***

    Disclaimer

    This document contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including references, concerning the Group’s expected growth and profitability in the future which may significantly impact the expected performance indicated in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are linked to factors out of the control of the Company and not precisely estimated, such as market conditions or competitors’ behaviors. Any forward-looking statements made in this document are statements about Atos’s beliefs and expectations and should be evaluated as such. Forward-looking statements include statements that may relate to Atos’s plans, objectives, strategies, goals, future events, future revenues or synergies, or performance, and other information that is not historical information. Actual events or results may differ from those described in this document due to a number of risks and uncertainties that are described within the 2023 Universal Registration Document filed with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) on May 24, 2024 under the registration number D.24-0429 and the half-year report filed with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) on August 6, 2024. Atos does not undertake, and specifically disclaims, any obligation or responsibility to update or amend any of the information above except as otherwise required by law.
    This document does not contain or constitute an offer of Atos’s shares for sale or an invitation or inducement to invest in Atos’s shares in France, the United States of America or any other jurisdiction. This document includes information on specific transactions that shall be considered as projects only. In particular, any decision relating to the information or projects mentioned in this document and their terms and conditions will only be made after the ongoing in-depth analysis considering tax, legal, operational, finance, HR and all other relevant aspects have been completed and will be subject to general market conditions and other customary conditions, including governance bodies and shareholders’ approval as well as appropriate processes with the relevant employee representative bodies in accordance with applicable laws .

    About Atos

    Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with circa 82,000 employees and annual revenue of circa €10 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 69 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

    The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

    Contacts

    Investor relations:
    David Pierre-Kahn | investors@atos.net | +33 6 28 51 45 96
    Sofiane El Amri      | investors@atos.net | +33 6 29 34 85 67

    Individual shareholders: 0805 65 00 75

    Press contact: globalprteam@atos.net


    1 Subject to the required regulatory approvals.

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  • MIL-OSI: Co-op teams up with Quadient to deliver parcel locker convenience in communities in the UK

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Quadient (Euronext: QDT), a global automation platform powering secure and sustainable business connections, has partnered with Co-op in the United Kingdom to deliver further parcel locker growth and added convenience to its communities, it has revealed today.

    The partnership to supply Parcel Pending by Quadient lockers to Co-op’s stores, aims to align Co-op’s footprint in the heart of local communities with the continued growth in consumer demand for safe, secure and accessible parcel lockers.

    Parcel Pending by Quadient is a growing network of intelligent lockers used for deliveries and returns from significant carriers, including Royal Mail, DPD, Evri, and UPS, as well as for new services across the UK like convenient key drop-offs with Keynest.

    More than 30 units will initially be installed at Co-op stores, with the potential for this partnership to grow. The first lockers will be seen this month at Co-op stores in Bedford, Bradford, Guildford, Keighley, Liverpool, Stockport, Swinton, and Telford.

    The multicarrier open locker network form part of Co-op’s strategy to develop added services and enhanced convenience – creating a compelling customer offer to ensure its stores are a convenient destination not only for groceries but for a range of services that meet the needs of local communities.

    George Hayworth, Head of Q-Comm Development, Co-op, said: “We are delighted to partner with Quadient. Safe, secure and convenient parcel lockers are one of the ways in which we make things easier and deliver enhanced convenience for our member-owners and customers. With our stores conveniently located in high streets and transport hubs, university campuses and residential developments, parcel lockers can help local residents and time-pressed consumers pick up or return parcels at a time that is convenient to them, quickly, easily and conveniently.”

    Katia Bourgeais-Crémel, Director of Lockers Automation Europe at Quadient said: “We are proud to collaborate with the Co-op to introduce our open lockers in their stores. This partnership enables us to offer Co-op customers a secure and efficient solution for managing parcel deliveries and returns. Our open locker network is accessed by multiple carriers, including Royal Mail, DPD, Evri, and UPS, providing even greater convenience than others in the market. Shoppers can easily collect or return parcels, whether during a grocery run or as part of their daily routine, making the process both simple and seamless.”

    Learn more at parcelpending.com/en-gb

    About Quadient®
    Quadient is a global automation platform powering secure and sustainable business connections through digital and physical channels. Quadient supports businesses of all sizes in their digital transformation and growth journey, unlocking operational efficiency and creating meaningful customer experiences. Listed in compartment B of Euronext Paris (QDT) and part of the CAC® Mid & Small and EnterNext® Tech 40 indices, Quadient shares are eligible for PEA-PME investing. For more information about Quadient, visit www.quadient.com.

    Contacts

    Sandy Armstrong, Sterling Kilgore Joe Scolaro, Quadient         
    Director of Media & Communications Global Press Relations Manager
    +1-630-699-8979 +1 203-301-3673
    sarmstrong@sterlingkilgore.com j.scolaro@quadient.com

    About Co-op
    Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates almost 2,400 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 6,000 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited. Employing 56,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of over £11billion and is a recognized leader for its social goals and community-led programs. The Co-op exists to meet members’ needs and stand up for the things they believe in. For more information about the Co-op, visit www.co-op.co.uk

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